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Story of the game: Millwall 0-2 Wrexham – Lions defeated at The Den.

Story of the game: Millwall 0-2 Wrexham – Lions defeated at The Den.

Millwall were handed a second successive home defeat after a 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Wrexham.

Kieffer Moore once again proved to be the tormentor, netting his fifth goal in 11 games against the Lions to give the Welsh side the lead. Lewis O’Brien struck late in stoppage time to confirm Wrexham’s first league win since their promotion last season.

However, the victory was overshadowed by serious concern for goalkeeper Danny Ward, who required ten minutes of treatment on the pitch before being substituted in the final moments.

Line-ups

Millwall: Benda, Leonard (Taylor 88), Crama, Cooper, Sturge (Bryan 73), Neghli (Bangura-Williams 73), Cundle (Kelly 88), Luongo, Emakhu, Coburn (Nisbet 79), Ivanovic
Subs: Crocombe, Grant, Harding, Howland

Wrexham: Ward (Okonwo 90), Cleworth, Doyle (Brunt 77), Coady, James, Longman (Scarr 88), Dobson, O’Brien, Cacace (McClean 77), Moore, Hardie (Smith 70)
Subs: O’Connor, Barnett, Lee, Ashfield

Story of the game

Wrexham arrived in SE16 still searching for their first league victory of the campaign, while Millwall looked to make their home advantage count. The Lions were the brighter of the two sides in the opening half, with Camiel Neghli twice testing the Wrexham defence, though his efforts were blocked.

The visitors’ best chance came when a deep cross from the right drifted over Tristen Crama and fell kindly to Moore, only for Benda to rush out and close the angle. Millwall nearly broke the deadlock when Aidomo Emakhu’s delivery found Ivanovic, but the forward couldn’t steer his header on target.

The second half began with Millwall pushing forward. Coburn, Ivanovic, and Zak Sturge all came close, the latter denied by a smart save from Ward. Yet, against the run of play, Wrexham struck first. Max Cleworth’s cross was met by Moore, who beat Benda to the ball and sent the travelling support into celebration.

Millwall responded with pressure of their own, Emakhu blasting into the side netting before Kevin Nisbet spurned a golden opportunity in stoppage time after Ward spilled a cross. In the aftermath of that incident, Ward was seriously injured and required prolonged treatment before being replaced.

With the game stretched, Wrexham took advantage. Lewis O’Brien pounced in stoppage time to secure all three points, sealing a memorable away victory for the newly promoted side.

 

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Lions’ unbeaten run ended by Lampard’s Coventry

Millwall suffered defeat for the first time in ten Championship matches as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Coventry City.

Ephron Mason-Clark’s second half effort was enough to seal all three points for Coventry.

It also hands new Coventry head coach Frank Lampard his first victory since taking over at the CBS Arena.

A first half that lacked any rhythm and cohesion from either side. Coventry in just their second game under Frank Lampard in patches looked more comfortable on the ball but neither side were able to really threaten.

Millwall thought they had the lead in the 12th minute, Joe Bryan’s curled the ball into the net directly from a corner but the referee ruled that Macauley Langstaff had fouled City keeper Brad Collins.

In the 37th minute, Langstaff and Femi Azeez combined, with the former’s shot going over the bar.

Coventry had the best chance of the half in the 44th minute, Viktor Torp’s cross found the head of Jack Rudoni, his header was tipped over by Lukas Jensen.

There would be one more effort before the break, Duncan Watmore, charged up the pitch and into space but fired his shot over the bar.

The visitors started the second half the stronger side and as the conditions deteriorated thanks to Storm Darragh it was getting tougher.

The visitors took the lead in the 63rd minute. Mason-Clark was on hand to tuck away Rudoni’s cross.

Millwall responded with Joe Bryan setting up Langstaff but, once again the striker failed to hit the target as frustration grew from the home supporters.

Rudoni was causing plenty of problems, in the 75th minute he set up substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante but his effort was blocked by Leonard. in the 86th minute Bobby Thomas was denied by the post following a Rudoni corner.

Despite a late charge on goal the Lions were unable to find an equaliser.

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Romain Esse signs new long-term Millwall deal

Romain Esse has agreed to a new long-term deal with Millwall.

The 19-year-old forward from Lambeth had entered the final year of his current contract, raising concerns that rival teams might snap him up. However, those worries have now been put to rest with Esse’s commitment to stay at The Den.

Esse, who is involved with the England U20 setup, is widely regarded as a future star. His potential has already started to turn heads, and he is expected to attract interest from bigger clubs in the coming years. So far, Esse has scored four senior goals, all of which have come away from The Den—at Middlesbrough, Coventry, Portsmouth, and most recently Bristol City in Millwall’s second game of the Championship season.

Having been on the fringes of the first team for the past two seasons, this campaign is set to be his major breakthrough. Esse has started all three of Millwall’s Championship games so far this season, signaling just how highly head coach Neil Harris values him moving forward.

Millwall do not disclose the length of their long term deals.

Image: Millwall FC

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Lions host Watford LIVE!

Follow all the action from The Den as the EFL returns.

 

The Lins are at home to Watford today as the Championship season kicks off. Millwall will pay tribute to former goalkeeper Matija Sarkic who tragically passed away during the summer aged just 26.

You can follow all the action in our live blog.

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Millwall caretaker boss set to take charge on Saturday as interview process continues

Adam Barrett looks set to take charge of Saturday’s clash with Southampton.

 

The Lions have been without a manager since Gary Rowett left the club on October 18th.

Assistant manager Barrett has been in caretaker charge since Rowett’s departure and has so far taken charge of three games, Drawing two against Preston and Watford while losing one to Blackburn Rovers.

A number of names have been linked to the job most notably, Kevin Muscat, Michael Beale, John Eustace and Neil Warnock.

The latter is reportedly set to make a sensational return to Loftus Road after QPR sacked Gareth Ainsworth following their 2-1 defeat at home to Leicester – their sixth defeat in a row.

Bristol City have also parted ways with their manager Nigel Pearson. It has been reported that both clubs are interested in some of the names on Millwall’s shortlist.

Interviews have already taken place with more scheduled for this week. It is still not known what the timescale is for the Lions hierarchy to make an appointment. They have said that they are determined to carry out at comprehensive search before naming their new boss.

The Lions have two more matches, against the Saints on Saturday and then Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough next weekend before the international break.

Image: Millwall FC

 

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Alex Grace’s verdict as Gary Rowett departs Millwall.

Gary Rowett has left Millwall after he and the club ‘mutually agreed to part company”

 

The former Birmingham, Derby and Stoke manager leaves the club three days short of his four year anniversary. He was the second longest serving boss in the Championship, behind Coventry’s Mark Robins.

Lions chairman James Berylson said “We greatly appreciate Gary’s efforts throughout his time in charge and he departs with the best wishes of everybody connected with the club. While my time working directly with Gary has been short, I have thoroughly enjoyed all our interactions and feel that he leaves us having enhanced the club’s on-pitch status during four successful years in charge.”

Rowett himself said in the statement. “Firstly, I would like to thank the fans for all their support during my time at the club. The atmosphere they create is truly unique.

 “I have thoroughly enjoyed being manager of Millwall and depart with a feeling that the club has progressed during my tenure. As is sometimes the case in football, the time just feels right to part ways.

 “I would like to thank John Berylson, James, Steve Kavanagh, Alex Aldridge, my backroom staff, and everyone behind-the-scenes for their hard work and support.

 “Finally, I’d like to extend my gratitude to the players, who I thank for the blood, sweat, and tears they have put into their efforts. It has been a successful and enjoyable four years.”

Anyone who is not associated with the club or anyone who doesn’t follow Millwall will look at this and think it’s a strange decision.  However, any of us that follow the club will not be surprised. The only thing that has surprised me is the timing of the announcement three days before the end of the International break.

Looking back on the last four years, Millwall have improved. I don’t think there is anyone who will say that Rowett has not taken the club forward. A team that used to be a bit of floater between the Championship and League One are now an established top half Championship team.

 

Rowett took the team on from where Neil Harris left off in 2019. The last four years have been successful. The League finishes of 8th, 11th, 9th and 8th show just how close the Lions have come and how consistent the former Burton manager has made the club.

He leaves with a record of 196 games, 76 wins, 57 draws and 63 defeats. That’s a win percentage of 38.8. You compare that to Kenny Jackett and Neil Harris who both had long stints in charge. They both managed to secure win percentages of over 40 – however, both had two seasons in the third tier.

Rowett will go down as one of Millwall’s most successful managers in the second tier and rightfully so. He has done very well to get the club into play-off contention year after year considering the budget and the standing of the club in the middle of their Championship rivals.

People will ask where did it go wrong? For me, it was the Blackburn game at the end of last season. That took a lot of out not just the team but the manager too. He has not been the same since that game. He has not looked the same, the energy was not the same and the motivation looked to have gone slightly and it only takes that motivation to fall tiny bit for the wheels to come off.

This season started so positively with that win at Middlesbrough on the opening day but things have turned quite a bit since then. The 4-0 defeat to Reading in the League Cup followed by the Norwich game and what happened at Carrow Road left everyone waiting to see when not if there would be a change in the dugout.

In terms of what happens now, the club say “a comprehensive recruitment process is underway.” This is only the sixth time in the Berylson ownership of Millwall that they have had to search for a new manager. If you look at previous five recruitments the club have always taken their time before making these appointments.

Adam Barrett is taking caretaker charge until a new manager is appointed. I would say this decision was taken due to the fact we are now heading into a three game week – a sign that this process may not be that quick and that the club will take their time appoint a new manager.

Image: Millwall FC

 

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TMP LIVE: Millwall vs Rotherham United

Millwall host Rotherham United tonight looking to bounce back from Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Leeds United.

 

Gary Rowett has mad one change from that defeat. Zian Flemming has returned to the starting lineup in place of Billy Mitchell, he drops to the bench.

Rotherham arrive in SE16 having not won any of their last 18 away matches.

The Lions won 3-0 when the teams last met.

You can follow all the action here in our live blog.

 

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Alex Grace’s Verdict – Millwall taught a lesson by Leeds but there is still a long way to go.

Well, one conclusion I’ve come to so far this season is we need to sack off the Sunday lunchtime kick-offs.

 

Two Sunday early kick-offs and two defeats. However, if you compare the two games, there is a big difference in performance levels, application and desire.  The Norwich performance was a complete farce. No commitment or fight or application.

Sunday’s clash with Leeds was a little bit different and I think we also need a bit of perspective. Nine of that starting eleven have played in the Premier League. Six of them did last season for the Yorkshire side. Be in no doubt this Leeds side will be up there at the end of the season regardless what any of us thought coming into this game.

I can not agree with anyone who says to me Leeds were there for the taking, I’m sorry but that is people who are in dreamland. Daniel Farke is a two time winner of this league, he knows what he is doing, yes they’ve had a slow start but the quality was always there and it was only going to take a certain period of time before they got going and clicked.

The front four that started on Sunday, Gnoto, Sommerville, Rutter and Piroe, there is not a better front four in the league in my view. They will score goals and they will cut through teams as we saw for their opening goal. A superb team move. From our point of view it’s not the way to defend but you’ve also got to admit it’s a great move and they’ve cut us apart.

Another thing to remember, Leeds had three shots on target and scored three goals, it doesn’t look good from our point of view but what it does indicate, is that they were clinical – something that Millwall have not been for sometime. It was not a 3-0 game anyone who was watching will tell you that.

The second and third Leeds goals were always on the cards due to the changes made by the manager at the 60 minute mark. It was always going to leave us open to a rapid counter and that is what happened.

Tonight we face a Rotherham United team who have not won away for 18 games. This is a side that are similar to ourselves in terms of trouble in front of goal. So, tonight don’t expect plenty of goals, this will be a tight and nervous affair. Both teams need a win. For Millwall, as the home team the expectation will be to go out and get the result.

Home form has been a worry for a while now, selling out the ground has not helped generate results. Luton, Blackburn, Bristol City and Leeds have all left SE16 with at least a point when the ground has been sold out. A full house and a packed out Den has lost that fear factor that it has had in recent years.

2023 has been a disappointing one at home. However, there is still plenty of time left to turn that around. That change needs to start happening tonight.

I’ve seen many different tweets and responses since the Leeds game calling for the managers head. Gary Rowett has done a fine job at our club. Yes, the football might be hard to watch at times, but so far he’s got it right more often than not.

Lets back the team and the manager. A few wins and things will look a lot different. After all, tonight is only game number seven.

Image: BBC

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Millwall Football Club will be ground sharing with their arch-rivals West Ham United next season, should they secure promotion to the Premier League.

There are rumblings in the football world that two major London clubs, Millwall and West Ham United, may share a stadium for the upcoming 2023/24 season pending certain conditions. While both clubs have not made any official statements, sources familiar with the situation suggest that discussions are currently ongoing, with the Newham Council being notified. However, a spokesperson from the council has stated that the discussions are still in the early stages, and any decision would need to go through a full council meeting before being confirmed.

UPDATE: It has now been heavily rumoured from a source that Millwall Football Club will be ground sharing with their arch-rivals West Ham United next season, should they secure promotion to the Premier League. The decision comes as a result of Millwall’s current stadium, The Den, failing to meet the strict criteria set out by the Premier League for top-flight stadiums.

The rivalry between Millwall and West Ham is one of the most intense in English football, with a long history of violence and animosity between the two sets of fans. Matches between the two clubs have been marred by incidents of hooliganism, with clashes between supporters often leading to arrests and injuries.

The possibility of a ground share has sparked a variety of reactions from different groups, including fans, pundits, local residents, businesses, and law enforcement officials. Some view it as an exciting opportunity for both teams to coexist in a world-class facility, while others see it as a recipe for disaster due to the historical animosity between the two sets of supporters.

Detective Chief Inspector Joseph King, who heads the Football Unit of the Metropolitan Police, has expressed concern over the potential ground share, citing the safety risks involved. He emphasized the need for a careful consideration of the welfare of supporters and the public. Local residents and businesses have also expressed their concerns, fearing increased traffic congestion, noise pollution, and anti-social behaviour in the area.

On the other hand, supporters of both clubs have expressed their excitement at the prospect of the two rivals playing in the same stadium. Some believe that it could lead to a stronger sense of community and a better matchday experience, as fans from different backgrounds come together to support their teams.

Ground sharing is not a new concept in English football, with many clubs opting to share a stadium for various reasons. Charlton Athletic and Crystal Palace were the first teams to share a ground, However, in the case of Millwall and West Ham, the stakes are higher due to their intense rivalry.

Ultimately, the decision on whether to proceed with a ground share should be based on a thorough assessment of its impact on all stakeholders. Both clubs will continue to focus on their football and their respective goals for the season, while the possibility of a ground share remains a topic of buzz and speculation in the football world. Stay tuned for further updates on this story.

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Lions secure first win of pre-season.

Millwall claimed their first pre-season victory with a 2-0 win at Dartford.

Goals from Benik Afobe and Tyler Burey rounded off a comfortable night for Gary Rowett’s men in Kent.

Millwall had the game’s first meaningful chance. George Honeyman picked up the ball in midfield and played a great-looking ball for Burey, but the youngster’s touch let him down at the crucial moment.

The Lions broke the deadlock in the 11th minute. Pressure from Tom Bradshaw and Burey ended with Afobe finding the net for the third time in two pre-season matches.

Five minutes later, Dartford almost get themselves level. A quick getaway ends with the Trialist pulling a shot wide of the far post. Two minutes later, the Lions should have doubled their lead, Bradshaw reacting quickest to Jake Cooper’s header into the box, but Dan Wilks denied him.

Burey was looking lively, and 22 minutes in, he nicked the ball in midfield and charged towards goal, but the Darts’ defence upended him.  Danny McNamara had a go on 34 minutes, but his shot was wide of the far post.

Half Time: Dartford 0-1 Millwall 

Burey again led another counterattack. However, his decision-making let him down as he took too long to release Bradshaw, which resulted in giving the ball away and breaking down the attack.

The Lions began to dominate in the second period. Bradshaw was denied twice before woodwork prevented Cooper from getting onto the scoresheet. Honeyman was also denied by a good save from Wilks. Charlie Cresswell fired the resulting corner wide of the target.

Millwall doubled their lead in the 69th minute, and some strike it was from Burey. He picked the ball up around 22 yards out and curled home a beautiful shot which nestled perfectly in the net.

Cresswell thought he had got Millwall’s third when he headed onto the crossbar. Afobe almost made it three, but he curled an effort wide.

Full Time: Dartford 0-2 Millwall 

Image: Millwall FC