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.
Neil Harris was delighted with his side’s performance in their 1-0 win at Portsmouth on Tuesday night.
The Lions fielded a youthful side at Fratton Park and won the game thanks to one of those academy talents in Romain Esse.
Esse started alongside Aidomo Emakhu and Alfie Massey as Harris made six changes to the side that lost to Watford on the opening day of the Championship season.
“There are some real positives tonight. The first is that we didn’t feel sorry for ourselves on the back of a late winner against us when we’ve clearly deserved to win the game on Saturday. We bounced back in the correct manner. The huge professionalism the boys showed early on Sunday morning, when I got them in, and on Monday before coming down today.
“More vital, probably, than that is the performances of the three young lads in the team tonight. Romain to score the goal, Aidomo to show glimpses of his raw power, pace and directness but also Alfie Massey made his debut for the football club tonight. That will be very special for him and his family.”
Harris’ side were very rarely threatened by the home side as they defended superbly and prevented Pompey from even having a shot on target.
Harris said. “We were the better team. Portsmouth had some good pressure second half and when people looked at the size and names on the teamsheet it might not have been renowned as a Millwall team or a Neil Harris team here – we went a little bit younger and faster tonight. We knew set-plays were going to be a real avenue for them. I told the lads: “You’re outsized – apart from Jake (Cooper). You’re not the biggest team, but you’re going to have to dig in and do a job. Their only chances came from set-plays.”
Millwall’s Championship season began in dramatic fashion with a 3-2 defeat at home to Watford, decided by a late goal in a thrilling encounter at The Den.
The match was marked by an emotional tribute to former Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic, who tragically passed away at the age of 26 over the summer. Both sets of players and fans came together to honor his memory before kick-off.
First Half
The Lions started brightly, with Joe Bryan delivering dangerous balls into the box and Tom Bradshaw drawing a foul from Francisco Sierralta, resulting in an early yellow card for the Watford defender. However, Millwall failed to capitalize on the subsequent free-kick, setting the tone for a frustrating afternoon.
Despite Millwall’s strong start, Watford began to assert themselves midway through the first half, with Moussa Sissoko dominating the midfield. The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when Edo Kayembe’s looping corner found its way directly into the net, catching Millwall goalkeeper Lukas Jensen off guard and giving the visitors the lead.
Millwall nearly responded immediately, but Bradshaw’s header went wide and George Honeyman’s effort hit the post, with Ryan Porteous clearing the rebound off the line to preserve Watford’s advantage.
Second Half
Millwall’s misfortune continued after the break, as George Saville was denied by the woodwork from a Honeyman free-kick. Then, in the 55th minute, Watford doubled their lead through Giorgi Chakvetadze, who unleashed a stunning 30-yard free-kick that left Jensen with no chance.
Refusing to surrender, Millwall pushed forward, and substitute Aidomo Emakhu injected some energy into the side. Emakhu’s cross in the 74th minute found Duncan Watmore, who fired in off the crossbar to pull one back for the Lions.
The momentum was firmly with Millwall, and they completed their comeback two minutes from time when Watmore scored again, slotting home George Saville’s pass to level the match at 2-2.
However, the home side’s joy was short-lived. In the dying moments, Watford substitute Rajovic headed in a deflected cross to snatch a 3-2 victory for the visitors, leaving Millwall to rue their missed opportunities and defensive lapses.
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Welcome to That Millwall Podcast 2024/25 Championship Prediction League!
Calling all Millwall fans and Championship enthusiasts! It’s time to put your football knowledge to the test and join our exciting 2024/25 Championship Prediction League. As we gear up for another thrilling season in England’s second tier, we’re inviting you to showcase your predictive prowess and compete against fellow supporters.
How It WorksEach week, participants will predict the outcomes of Championship matches. Points will be awarded for correct predictions, with bonuses for exact scorelines. The league will run throughout the entire 2024/25 season, giving you plenty of opportunities to climb the leaderboard.Rules
Points System:
3 points for a correct score prediction
1 point for a correct result prediction (win, lose, or draw)
Predictions:
You can submit your predictions up to one hour before kick-off
Feel free to change your predictions as many times as you like until the one-hour cutoff
Deadlines:
Predictions for each match close one hour before the scheduled kick-off time
Late entries will not be accepted, so make sure to get your predictions in on time!
Why Join?
Test your Championship knowledge
Compete against other Millwall supporters
Weekly and monthly prizes up for grabs
Grand prize for the overall season winner
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Sign Up Now!Don’t miss out on the fun! Registration is now open for the 2024/25 Championship Prediction League. To sign up, simply:
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The new Championship season kicks off on Friday, August 9th, with Blackburn vs Derby and Preston vs Sheffield United headlining the opening fixtures. Make sure you’re registered and ready to submit your first set of predictions before then!
Watch out for the Prediction videos and podcast each week.
In the latest episode of ‘Chat with Chapz’ rather than the usual deep dive into the latest game, ‘Chapz’ looks at the problems both on and off the pitch which have resulted in the lions being 21st in the league with only 4 points keeping us out of the relegation zone.
The debate has rolled on since the damaging defeat on Wednesday night, whether the board, Joe Edwards, the players or a combination of all 3 are the main cause of issues surrounding the club. Chapz points out and goes into detail on;
– The boards lack of nous in the transfer market which has seen us struggling to recoup any transfer funds over recent times and lack of investment in the playing squad
– Joe Edwards and his struggles to implement the style of football he wants to with the group of players at his disposal (and seemingly unable or unwilling to change from that style)
– The worrying statistics that have led to the lions slipping further down the table including one that has gone on over 16 months!
– The worrying form and ability of the playing squad, specifically Jake Cooper, Matija Sarkic and the curious case of Alan Campbell
– The lack of experience in key areas across the club’s management and recruitment teams
Plus, much much more!
The underlying message and tone from Chapz, is one of deep concern and worry that this will be our last season in The Championship, Joe Edwards is perhaps the right manger at the wrong time and there’s substantial evidence and reasoning as to why we are in trouble both on and off the pitch.
Do you agree with Chapz? Is there any one area/individual that deserves take more of the blame right now? Is there any hope left for the lions?
Millwall were denied an unlikely three points after a stoppage time equaliser for Watford at Vicarage Road.
Just as at Preston in their last away day the Lions started in calamitous fashion. Just five minutes in, It was a shot from Edo Kayembe that was spilled by Bart Bialkowski and Yaser Asprilla was on hand to deflect home the ball for the opening goal.
But just as they did at Deepdale, the Lions hit back. Zian Flemming heading home after Casper De Norre’s cross had been headed on by Tom Bradshaw.
Millwall thought they had sealed the most unlikely of wins in the 85th minute when Wes Harding headed home George Saville’s corner.
But, in stoppage time. Mileta Rajovic broke free and headed past Bialkowksi to ensure a point for the hosts.
The opening exchanges were tentative. Both sides had spells of possession, Flemming forcing the first save of the day from Watford keeper Daniel Bachmann on his 100th appearance for the home side.
Just two minutes later, the home side were in front.
Millwall have conceded some interesting goals, this being the worst of the lot. Bialkowksi would have been very disappointed with the fact he was unable to hold Kayembe’s shot. Cooper also will feel he should have done better. He should have shielded and allowed his keeper to smother rather than try to clear which lead to Asprilla deflecting it in.
Millwall’s response was good. They did not allow themselves to become too frustrated. They settled down and created a good equalising goal.
Danny McNamara combined well with De Norre, the Belgian crossing for Bradshaw to head onto Flemming was well executed. Flemming’s finish was also a smart one. It’s two goals in two away games now for him as well. It’s also four for the season.
After the early excitement the game began to settle down. Both sides having periods of the possession but not causing any real problems. That was until the 26th minute. A Hornets corner was poorly dealt with by the Millwall defence and the ball fell to Asprilla, he was denied by a stunning stop from Bialkowksi.
Vakoun Bayo would have been disappointed he didn’t give the home side the lead before the break, his header from close range failed to test Bialkowksi.
The home side started the second half strongly. Bayo again in the thick of the action. His charging run towards goal ended with his shot deflecting off Wes Harding and past the near post.
Kayeme had caused problems in the first half but this time Bialkowksi was equal to his shot and the home side continued to press for that second goal.
However, Millwall’s ability to stay in the game meant they would always get a chance at some stage. Flemming was presented with a chance, some decent build up play on the left allowed the ball to reach the Dutchman who curled an effort over the bar just after the hour mark.
Two minutes later, a strong run from Norton-Cuffy saw him break into the box, the ball came to substitute Ryan Longman but couldn’t direct his effort on target.
In the 74th minute Matheus Martins was denied by Bialkowski, not in the most convincing way parrying the shot right back into the danger area but the Watford man could not convert the rebound. Imran Loser then pulled a shot wide from Norton-Cuffy’s clearance.
Out of nowhere Millwall took the lead.
For all of Watford’s efforts they were behind. Saville’s corner was headed home by Harding in front of the away end to send the fans into delirium. Moments later Harding should have had his second but his header hit the crossbar as Watford descended into chaos.
However, just as we entered stoppage time Watford got their equaliser. Millwall’s passive defending down the right was exploited. Louza’s cross was headed home by Rajovic after he broke away from Cooper and headed easily past Bialkowksi.
The result see’s Millwall extend their unbeaten away run to five games.
Millwall are back on their travels this afternoon as they head to Watford looking to extend their unbeaten away run.
The Lions are unbeaten in their last four away games – taking four points from the last two. They head to Watford looking to bounce back after a 2-1 home defeat to Blackburn in midweek.
You can follow all the action with Alex Grace in our live blog.
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.
Gary Rowett has made one change for this afternoon’s game at West Brom
The one change is enforced, Kevin Nisbet was forced off against Rotherham on Wednesday, he is replaced in the starting eleven by Duncan Watmore.
Other than that it is as you were from Wednesday night.
The formation remains the same, Watmore will play up top with Tom Bradshaw, the latter alongside Zian Flemming opened their scoring accouts for the season on Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, West Brom make five changes from their draw at Watford. Former Lion, Jayson Molumby starts while another former Lion in Jed Wallace is on the bench.
Millwall: Bialkowski; Norton-Cuffy, Wallace, Cooper, Leonard, M Wallace; Campbell, De Norre; Flemming Watmore, Bradshaw.
Subs: Trueman, McNamara, Adom-Malaki, Emakhu, Mitchell, Saville, Esse, Bryan, Harding.
