By Millwall Fans, for Millwall Fans.
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.
Image: Millwall FC
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
Norwich vs Millwall – Preview by James Kelly
Millwall hit the road once again to take on Norwich City at Carrow Road on Sunday lunchtime. In a game live on Sky Sports.
The lions will be desperate to get back to winning ways after a quite frankly pathetic performance at home to Reading which saw them lose 4-0 and crash out of the EFL cup. This being followed up by a very lacklustre performance at the den to Bristol City in a game that was decided by a last minute Matty James winner for the visitors.
David Wagner’s Norwich City on the other hand are currently undefeated in the league, winning 2-1 at home to Hull City on the opening day and followed that up with an insane 4-4 draw at St Mary’s against recently relegated Southampton. If Gary Rowett’s side are to get a win at Norwich it will be the first time a Millwall side has won at Carrow Road since November 1968.
Ones to watch
Gabriel Sara was on the scoresheet last time these 2 sides met, scoring a spectacular goal in a 3-2 win for the canaries back in March. A highly rated winger, the Millwall defence could have their work cut out trying to tame him. Another player the lions will want to keep at bay is Josh Sargent who scored a brace in this fixture at Carrow Road last season.
The hosts also recruited striker Ashley Barnes in the summer on a free transfer after he left Burnley and scored against Millwall for the clarets last season in a 1-1 draw. At the den A big target man, Millwall will need to be on their toes to make sure he doesn’t haunt them once again.
The difference makers
As this game is live on Sky, it would be rude for Tom Bradshaw not to get on the scoresheet. He loves playing in front of the cameras as last season showed. Netting 2 hat tricks against Watford and Sheffield United and a brace against Blackpool. As well as scoring against Luton Town as well. As well as this, Bradders also scored the opener in the last match but unfortunately also scored an own goal as well. Hopefully the latter doesn’t happen on Sunday!
Zian Flemming also scored in this fixture last season from a corner and is due to get a goal soon and open his account for the season.
The last time we met
An unfortunate Tom Bradshaw own goal, as well as goals from Gabriel Sara and Jacob Sorensen saw Norwich City take all 3 points back to East Anglia in an entertaining 3-2 game. As well as the own goal, Bradshaw opened the scoring for the lions with Zian Flemming pulling the hosts back into the game. But sadly it was too little too late.
What the bookies think
Given the history of this fixture and Norwich’s dominance over Millwall at Carrow Road as well as their start to the season, it’s no surprise that SkyBet have made them the favourites heading into this one. Norwich can be backed at 1/1 with 11/4 if you favour a Millwall win.
My first trip to the Den for our first game away from home this season! Millwall had sold out this game with it not only being their first home game of the season but also to pay respects to the tragic passing of their chairman John Berylson.
In the opening 20 minutes there was no real action for either side.
After a City corner, Millwall looked to counter attack through Duncan Watmore but was dragged to the floor by Joe Williams who was then booked.
2 corners followed for City with Williams seeing his shot blocked and then a brilliant block by Jake Cooper to deny Nahki Wells.
Moments later, Sam Bell was bundled to the ground in the opposing box but his penalty shouts were waved away.
A fairly uneventful half as both sides failed to threaten either goal. I thought both wing-backs had a good half for the hosts, ex-city Joe Bryan and especially Dan McNamara. Cameron Pring looked solid for City also.
The second half began with Jason Knight, who scored 2 in midweek, dink a cross to the far post but Pring couldn’t get a good enough contact on it.
A dangerous tackle from Shaun Hutchinson on Harry Cornick saw him go into the book as the players protested for a red card and the freekick saw Bell’s header hit the side netting.
Anis Mehmeti drove past a few players and then his shot from outside of the box goes just wide of the post.
The usually impressive Zian Flemming came off and on came young Romain Esse who the Millwall fans are very fond of. The 18 year old academy graduate scored a goal to beat Middlesbrough in the opening game of the season.
Ephraim Yeboah, made his league debut for City as the speedy 17 year old came on from the bench.
The 89th minute saw George Saville’s freekick palmed away by Max O’Leary.
In the 94th minute, in the same way we scored on our season opener, Harry Cornick took a long throw-in, but this time, captain Matty James rolled back the years and acrobatically blasted the ball into the bottom corner. What a way to win it!
A draw would’ve been fair as both teams were mediocre throughout, Millwall will be bitterly disappointed to lose in that fashion.
📅12.08.23
🆚Millwall 0-1 Bristol City
🏟️The Den
⚽️Matty James (90+4’)
This Was Piece Was Written by
Our very own Chat with Chaps Post Match Video For Millwall Vs Bristol City Is Below.
Matija Sarkic made his debut in the Millwall goal. Joe Bryan, Casper De Norre and Kevin Nisbet also made their debuts for the club.
As for Middlesbrough, Morgan Rogers and Marcus Forss started as last year’s top scorer Cuba Akpom was on the bench.
The Lions started the better of the two sides, with Flemming looking lively, the Dutchman has had plenty of admirers this summer and based on this performance, the Lions will be very happy they still have him in their squad.
The games first chance arrived as early as the fourth minute. Danny McNamara’s cross found debutant Casper De Norre in the box, he teed up Flemming, he curled his shot wide of the far post.
Duncan Watmore, playing against his former club, picked the ball and embarked on a fine run towards goal, his strike deflected away for a corner which produced nothing.
Shaun Hutchinson’s fine run down the right hand side allowed him to cross for Flemming who was unmarked but the Dutchman unfortunately hit an air shot when unmarked.
The home side thought they had taken the lead in the 39th minute, Hayden Hackney finished Matt Crooks’ cross but the linesman’s flag was raised as Crooks failed to keep the ball in play.
Watmore was really enjoying himself and in the 61st minute, he played in Nisbet who was denied superbly by Senny Dieng.
in the 67th minute, Rogers reminded Millwall he is a threat. He received the ball to his feet slipped as he shot, it looked like it was going wide but Murray Wallace’s toe forced the save from Sarkic.
The Lions took the lead in the 79th minute. Two substitutes Aidomo Emakhu and Esse combined brilliantly. Emakahu’s pace saw him break away from his marker and find Esse at the back post who curled in brilliantly to fire the Lions in front.
Boro created a number of chances to try and get an equaliser but they failed to trouble Sarkic in the Millwall goal and the Lions saw out the six minutes of stoppage time.
The lions will be hoping to go one better this season and finally make it into the playoffs after cruelly missing out on the final day last season, losing 4-3 at home to Blackburn Rovers.
To make sure lightning doesn’t strike twice, Gary Rowett has strengthened his squad. Acquiring the services of striker Kevin Nisbet from Hibernian, defenders Joe Bryan and Wes Harding as free agents and defensive midfielder Casper De Norre from Belgian side OH Leuven.
In the opposite dugout, Middlesbrough had a better season last campaign. They finished 4th in championship after boss Michael Carrick took over a depleted Boro side in 21st and saw them ultimately losing 1-0 on aggregate to Coventry City in the playoffs. He will be hoping to lead them back to the Premier League this time in his first full season as a manager.
They have recruited heavily this summer. Bringing in 10 signings including goalkeeper Seny Dieng from QPR, wingers Morgan Rogers and Sam Silvera from Manchester City and Australian side Central Coast respectively and centre back Rav van den Berg from PEC Zwolle.
Provided he plays, the main man Millwall will hope to keep quiet is talisman Chuba Akpom who won the Championship golden boot last season, netting 28 goals in his best ever goalscoring campaign.
Another familiar face the lions will want to watch out for is forward Marcus Forss who scored the only goal in last season’s 1-0 defeat in this fixture. As well as Forss, midfielders Riley McGree and Dan Barlaser will be aiming to give the Millwall defence a tough afternoon as they look to get their own campaign off to a winning start.
For the first time in a while, Millwall’s attack is full of potential sources for goals this season. Winger Duncan Watmore and former Middlesbrough player will hope to come back and haunt his former club. Similarly forwards Romain Esse and Aidomo Emakhu will look to grab their chances should they get them after very solid pre-season campaigns. New striker Kevin Nisbet will also look to make a name for himself by hopefully popping up with a goal to help ease the burden on main striker and last season’s top goalscorer at the club Tom Bradshaw.
However, the Bermondsey Bergkamp; Zian Flemming will be the one Carrick’s men will hope to suppress after scoring 15 goals in his debut season in English football last season for Rowett’s side. As well as long serving striker Tom Bradshaw who has a knack for popping up with a goal in games like this.
Bookmakers SkyBet made the home side the odds-on favourites at 10/11 with a Millwall win coming in at 3/1.
Farewell to the head of The Millwall Family
The word that lingers in my head since the news broke about Millwall owner John Berylson’s tragic death is: “perspective”.
As football fans – and certainly as Millwall supporters – we get so intensely immersed in following our club that it’s easy to forget that world isn’t really that big or important.
Every once in a while, life comes along, taps you on the shoulder, and reminds you just how tiny and insignificant it actually is.
I don’t think there can be a better example of that than what’s happened at Millwall Football Club in the last two months.
The drama of the last match of the season – where John Berylson had been mingling amongst the fans before kick-off as he did so often in his time at the club. Then the way the match – and our season – ended in such heartbreak and, let’s be honest, a certain degree of anger, which underlines that irrational intensity that football brings.
John Berylson’s reaction to that disappointment was so typical of the man. It was a calm reflection, a positive spin on how good the season overall had been, and a vote of thanks to the team, management, and supporters.
Always looking up, not down, and thanks to him, for the last few seasons (and for much of his tenure) that’s exactly what we’ve been doing. No longer looking over our shoulders at the relegation places, but up, and at the possibilities of promotion, or at the very least, progress.
That was him all over. There was no blame, no negativity and it wasn’t all about him.
It would have been very easy for him to behave like so many other club chairmen and owners. To have been critical, even throwing his hand in, reminding us of how much time and cash he’d invested in the club and how he expected more.
Like the chairman of the non-league club that lost their play-off final who in the immediate aftermath threw his toys out of the pram and put the club up for sale!
But that simply wasn’t the John Berylson way.
One thing we’ve come to expect as Millwall supporters over the years is the unexpected. There have been very few constants at the club and little stability. Things have gone well for a season or two then, been plunged into disarray at a moment’s notice.
The last 16/17 years that John Berylson has been involved and owned the club have seen an unprecedented level of stability, progress, and investment.
He’s had our back.
For me personally, that’s what made that last day easier to swallow. You knew he wouldn’t produce some knee-jerk reaction. He’d take stock, cover our losses from last season out of his own pocket once more, and then ask manager Gary Rowett what he needed to improve the squad to allow us to make another challenge again next season.
That’s the beauty of football. Whatever misfortune it throws at us, there’s always next season to put it right.
As we trudged away from The Den after that Blackburn defeat, most of us couldn’t imagine a worse feeling at that moment, as Millwall supporters, than that sting of missing out on our chance at a shot at The Premier League.
Right now, we can see it for what it was: Just another blip. Just another day in the life of supporting The Lions.
Now we know what loss really feels like. Perspective
People not involved in or who have no real knowledge of football may well look on at the outpouring of grief at the club in the aftermath of those tragic events and found it puzzling. They might sneer that we’re treating it like we’ve lost a family member.
Well, in a way, we have.
People talk about the ‘football family’ and we often mention the ‘Millwall Family’. They’re not just throwaway emotive handles.
They are real.
A club like Millwall, which is lucky to still be an integral part of its community, becomes a family, and not just on matchdays. That bond builds over time and is so much stronger when you have an owner who understands that he is merely a custodian of the club; that the club existed before and will continue to exist after his tenure. Obviously, I don’t mean that with any disrespect and while I never met him, I’m pretty sure John Berylson would agree with that sentiment. He certainly showed it in his words and deeds.
It’s a massive cliché, but he really was our rock. The head of The Millwall Family.
So many football club owners are either completely anonymous or just distant figures occasionally captured on camera sitting in the directors’ box.
Many believe they are the club.
I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve read about a football club dropping down the divisions, out of the league or out of existence altogether because of an owner who simply saw them as a business plaything. Every time I did, I reminded myself of how lucky I was to be a supporter of a club that had, without a doubt, the best chairman & owner in the game.
There is going to be lots discussed over the coming days and weeks. Talk of tributes, naming stands, installing plaques and statues. Then the more unpalatable but inevitable discussions of ‘where now for Millwall?’.
But that is not for now. Right now, the best thing every single supporter, player, and member of staff of Millwall Football Club can do is remember John Berylson with two very simple words:
Thank You.
These Words were written by Merv Payne.
Join us for a heartfelt and poignant episode of the That Millwall Call-in Space Show. We honor and remember our beloved chairman, John Berylson, who tragically passed away earlier this week. In this special episode, fans share personal stories and pay tribute to the man who embodied Millwall Football Club and kept our club afloat.
Tune in to hear fans as they share heartfelt accounts and touching anecdotes. They recount John Berylson’s significant role in Millwall Football Club and his positive influence on countless lives. From thrilling victories to challenging moments, we celebrate John’s unwavering passion and commitment to Millwall.
In this emotional episode, we remember the man who guided our club through turbulent times, ensuring the strength of the Millwall spirit. John Berylson’s legacy is forever etched in the hearts of Millwall supporters. This episode is a tribute to his remarkable life and profound impact on the club he cherished.
Join us to celebrate the life and achievements of a true football visionary. Listen as fans from all walks of life come together to honor John Berylson and reflect on his indelible mark on Millwall Football Club. Don’t miss this episode where we pay tribute to a remarkable chairman and an extraordinary human being
Thank you for everything,
Don’t be sad because it’s over, smile because it happened. We wouldn’t be where we are without him. Thank you MR chairman! We will all love you forever!
These words highlighted above are from @Matt_MFC_Dawson on twitter.
Mr Chairman. RIP.
Our Statement – https://www.thatmillwallpodcast.co.uk/tmp-statement-john-berylson/2023/5872/
Club Statment- https://www.millwallfc.co.uk/news/2023/july/04/john-berylson/
Millwall fans, The big match between Millwall and Sunderland in the EFL Championship is this Saturday 4th February To get you ready for the match tomorrow, we are serving up a show jam packed full of analysis and expert opinions on The Inside Man, hosted by Omer from That Millwall Podcast.
Omer will be joined by Graham from What the Falk Podcast, a well-known figure in the football podcasting world, as they delve into all the key players, tactics, and predictions for the upcoming match. With their combined knowledge and passion of football, this episode is a must-watch for any fan of either Millwall or Sunderland.
Whether you’re a seasoned Championship follower or just getting into football, The Inside Man has something for everyone. Omer and Graham will be breaking down the key strategies and players to watch. They’ll also share their bold predictions for the outcome of the match and chat about the latest trends and news in the world of football.
And that’s not all! This episode of The Inside Man is brought to you by the travel experts at Chaps Travel. They’ll help you plan a budget-friendly trips so you can experience the excitement in person. Whether you’re looking to book your dream trip or just need help with travel arrangements, Chaps Travel has got you covered.
Don’t miss out on this exciting episode of The Inside Man, hosted by Omer from That Millwall Podcast. Follow us on our socials for updates, and leave comments and feedback.
We love to hear from you guys watching!So, get ready for an unforgettable preview show: Millwall vs Sunderland on The Inside Man, hosted by Omer from That Millwall Podcast. Whether you’re a fan of Millwall, Sunderland, or just a lover of the sport, this show is guaranteed to be a hoot. With Chaps Travel on board..
#Millwall #Sunderland #Preview #WhattheFalkPodcast #ThatMillwallPodcast #Analysis #Expert #Predictions #Football #EFL #Championship #ChapsTravel.
Welcome to the latest episode of “That Millwall Podcast,” where we’ll be discussing the process of selecting the goalkeepers and defenders for our team.
As any football fan knows, goalkeepers play a crucial role in the success of a team. Their skill level and ability to make crucial saves can often be the difference between winning and losing a match. When choosing a goalkeeper, it’s important to consider their command of their box, their ability to organize the defense, and their physical attributes such as height and agility.
Our final list of keepers for the team includes: Bryan King, Alex Stepney, Kassey Keller, Brian Horne, David Forde, Bartosz Bialkowski, Willie Gueret, Maik Taylor, Tony Warner, Andy Marshall, and Keith Branagan. Each of these players brings a unique set of skills and experience to the table, making them strong contenders for a spot on the team. Here’s a brief history of each keeper:
King has been a standout performer in goal for many years, known for his excellent reflexes and strong command of his box.
Stepney is a veteran keeper with a wealth of experience at the highest level of football. He’s known for his ability to make crucial saves and his leadership on the pitch.
Keller is a highly skilled keeper with a reputation for his quick reactions and ability to read the game well.
Horne is a strong performer in goal, with excellent shot-stopping abilities and a commanding presence in his box.
Forde is a reliable and experienced keeper who excels at organizing the defense. He’s known for his calm and composed demeanor on the pitch.
Bialkowski has proven to be a reliable performer in goal over the years, with a wealth of experience at the highest level.
Gueret is a skilled keeper with excellent reflexes and quick reactions. He’s known for his ability to make crucial saves and keep his team in the game.
Maik Taylor: Taylor is a veteran keeper with a reputation for making crucial saves and leading his defense effectively.
Warner is a reliable performer in goal, with excellent command of his box and the ability to make key saves when needed.
Marshall is a talented keeper with strong shot-stopping abilities and excellent reflexes.
Branagan is a skilled keeper with a strong command of his box and the ability to organize the defense. He’s known for his calm and composed demeanor on the pitch.
In addition to a strong goalkeeper, a solid defense is crucial for any team. When selecting defenders, look for players who are strong in the tackle, able to read the game well, and able to work together as a unit. Communication and teamwork are key for a solid defense. Speed and endurance are also essential for defenders, as they’ll often need to cover a lot of ground on the pitch.
Don’t miss the latest episode of “That Millwall Podcast,” where we’ll delve deeper into the process of selecting the best keepers and defence for our team. Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll see you in the next episode.
