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Teams News: Alex Neil makes sweeping changes as Millwall welcome Baggies.

Alex Neil has made sweeping changes to his Millwall side following their 4-0 defeat to Coventry City at The Den on Wednesday night.

Seven new faces come into the starting XI, with Ryan Leonard, Zak Sturge, Femi Azeez, Ballo, Massimo Luongo, Will Smallbone, and Josh Coburn all starting.

Those making way are Wes Harding, Joe Bryan, Camiel Neghli, Aidomo Emakhu, Luke Cundle, Derek Mazou-Sacko, and Mihalio Ivanovic, who all drop to the bench.

Only Steven Benda, Jake Cooper, Tristan Crama, and Billy Mitchell keep their places from the side that was heavily beaten by the Sky Blues.

Millwall team to face West Brom:

Benda; Leonard, Cooper, Crama, Sturge; Mitchell, Luongo; Azeez, Ballo, Smallbone; Coburn.

Subs: Crocombe, Taylor, Ivanovic, Neghli, Langstaff, Emakhu, Bryan, Cundle, Mazou-Sacko.

As for the visitors, former Millwall winger Jed Wallace starts for West Brom on his return to The Den.

Image: Millwall FC

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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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Millwall Managerial Shortlist: Spotlight on Alex Neil, Matt Bloomfield, and Steven Schumacher

Millwall Managerial Shortlist: Spotlight on Alex Neil, Matt Bloomfield, and Steven Schumacher
As Millwall FC narrows down its search for a new head coach, three standout candidates have reportedly emerged: Alex Neil, Matt Bloomfield, and Steven Schumacher. Each brings a unique blend of managerial experience, tactical know-how, and a record of success at different levels of the English football pyramid. Below, we break down the strengths, achievements, and potential fit of each contender, along with their tactical preferences, to help Millwall supporters gain insight into who might lead the Lions into their next era.

Alex Neil

 

Background:

 

Alex Neil shot to prominence after guiding Norwich City to Premier League promotion via the Championship Play-Offs in 2015, having already enjoyed a successful stint at Hamilton Academical in Scotland. He later delivered stable Championship campaigns at Preston North End and also managed Sunderland to a League One play-off promotion in 2022.

 

Why He Fits:

 

  • Championship Experience: Few managers are as seasoned at this level as Neil. He understands the rigors of the division, the physical demands, and the strategic adjustments required game to game.
  • Track Record of Promotions: His achievements with Norwich City and Sunderland highlight his ability to handle high-pressure situations and achieve tangible results.
  • Player Development: Neil has demonstrated an aptitude for improving the players he inherits, working within financial constraints and making clubs competitive.

 

Tactics:

 

  • Pragmatic and Adaptable: Neil’s style is pragmatic, often adjusting tactics based on the opposition and his team’s strengths.
    • Formation Flexibility: He commonly uses 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 but switches within games.
    • Counter-Attacking Style: His teams are organized defensively but quick to exploit counter-attacks.
    • Set-Piece Focus: Significant emphasis on both attacking and defending from set-pieces.

 

Matt Bloomfield

 

Background:

 

A former one-club man at Wycombe Wanderers, Matt Bloomfield transitioned into coaching with a modern, player-focused approach. Although still early in his managerial career, his time at Colchester United and more recently returning to Wycombe has seen him adapt and mold his squads effectively, showcasing an increasingly flexible and innovative style of play.

 

Why He Fits:

 

  • Modern, Progressive Coaching Style: Bloomfield’s emphasis on blending direct play with adaptable formations suits Millwall’s current need for tactical evolution.
  • Player Engagement & Culture Building: His history at Wycombe suggests he understands the importance of unity and club identity—qualities that resonate well with Millwall’s passionate supporter base.
  • Long-Term Project Potential: Bloomfield could be a smart “project” manager, someone who grows with the club and helps foster a new era of sustainable success.

 

Tactics:

 

  • Progressive and Player-Centric: Bloomfield is known for his modern, engaging football that fosters player development.
    • Flexible Formations: He typically employs a 4-3-3 or 3-4-3, with a focus on high pressing when possible.
    • Possession-Based Play: Encourages purposeful ball retention to create space and opportunities.
    • Youth Integration: Promotes a style that supports creativity and expression from young players.

 

Steven Schumacher

 

Background:

 

Steven Schumacher gained recognition during his time at Plymouth Argyle, stepping out of Ryan Lowe’s shadow to lead the club to the League One title with 101 points in the 2022/23 season. Despite a challenging tenure at Stoke City, Schumacher remains a young, tactically astute coach who has proven his ability to organize and motivate teams in competitive environments.

 

Why He Fits:

 

  • Proven Winner at League One Level: His accomplishments at Plymouth Argyle show he can handle promotion battles and title races, making him well-prepared for a top-half Championship campaign.
  • Tactical Flexibility & Attack-Minded Play: Schumacher is known for implementing a dynamic, modern style. For Millwall, that could mean more entertaining, incisive football moving forward.
  • Motivated to Succeed at Championship Level: Having faced setbacks at Stoke, he’ll be eager to prove himself, bringing fresh ideas and renewed determination.

 

Tactics:

 

  • Dynamic and Attack-Minded: Schumacher’s approach is energetic, focusing on possession and creating scoring chances.
    • High Pressing: His teams press high to win the ball back in advanced areas.
    • Formation Versatility: Often opts for a 3-4-2-1 or 4-3-3, using width to stretch defenses.
    • Tactical Fluidity: He adjusts tactics mid-game to exploit weaknesses or counter strategies.

Considering Millwall’s Future

 

Each of these three candidates represents a viable direction for Millwall. Neil offers Championship experience and a steady hand, Bloomfield promises a long-term, culture-driven project, and Schumacher brings a winning pedigree and progressive thinking. Their tactical approaches could provide Millwall with the blend of pragmatism, innovation, and attacking flair needed to compete in the Championship. Ultimately, the club’s final choice will hinge on aligning with Millwall’s evolving ambitions—whether that’s building a stable platform for gradual progression, aiming for immediate top-half challenges, or cultivating a longer-term identity centered around youth development and attacking football.

 

Whichever direction the Lions choose, it’s clear the next head coach will have a significant role in shaping Millwall’s future—both in the Championship and beyond.
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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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Young Lions’ performance pleases Harris

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.”

Image: Millwall FC

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Lions denied a point as Watford grab late winner at The Den

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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Join Us on Who Are Ya? – Calling All Millwall Fans!

Join Us on Who Are Ya? – Calling All Millwall Fans!

Are you a passionate Millwall supporter with stories to tell? We want to hear from you!At Who Are Ya?, we celebrate the rich tapestry of experiences that make being a Millwall fan so special. Our show features engaging conversations with fans, and we’re excited to invite you to share your journey with us.

What to Expect

During the show, we’ll ask you 20 questions that delve into your time following Millwall. From your first match to unforgettable moments at The Den, we want to capture the essence of what it means to be a Millwall fan.

Check out Past Shows Below.


Why Participate?

  • Share Your Story: Connect with fellow fans and share your unique experiences.
  • Be Part of the Community: Contribute to a growing archive of Millwall fandom that celebrates our shared love for the club.
  • Have Fun: Enjoy a lively conversation and reminisce about your favorite moments.

Interested?

If you’re ready to join us, please reach out! Let us know your availability, and we’ll arrange the details for your appearance on the show.

Drop us an Email at Info@thatmillwallpodcast.co.uk

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Welcome to That Millwall Podcast 2024/25 Championship Prediction League!

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

  1. Points System:
    • 3 points for a correct score prediction
    • 1 point for a correct result prediction (win, lose, or draw)
  2. 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
  3. 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
  • Bragging rights among the Millwall faithful

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:

    1. Fill out the registration form below
    2. Create your unique username
    3. You’re all set!

  2. Fill out the registration form
  3. Create your unique username
  4. You’re all set!

 

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.

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Millwall set to be without key figure for another “few weeks”

Millwall are set to be without Shaun Hutchinson for another few weeks.

 

The Lions club captain has not featured since he scored the winner in the 1-0 win at Bristol City on New Year’s Day.

Speaking to the South London Press Millwall head coach Joe Edwards confirmed that the former Fulham defender was still a ‘few weeks away.’

“Hutch is still a few weeks away, I think he is aiming to rejoin training properly in the next couple of weeks and see how that goes.

“Then it is a case when we get him back out on the training pitch, of building him back up. We have to be quite conservative in how we build him back up, given what has happened to him.

Hutchinson has been a huge miss for Millwall, having made just nine league appearances all season. The Lions have won eight games in the Championship this season – Hutchinson started in four of those underlining his importance to the side.

“Hutch is club captain and very experienced – he knows what it takes to play for Millwall. And even in this recent period, which has been difficult for us as a group, Hutchy has shared his experience with a lot of the younger and newer players – that this club has been in tougher times before, that you kind of have to step up and face it.

“My most successful period here as the coach was that Christmas period where Hutch played well against Norwich and then again against Bristol City. He was a big part of what that backline was doing – he is a big miss, for sure.”

Image: Millwall FC

 

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Millwall, where does the blame lie? The Board, Players or is Joe Edwards and his team?

 

Where does the blame lie?

 

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?

Let us know in the comments below!