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Hornets score stoppage time leveller to deny Millwall- Post Match Report: Watford 2-2 Millwall

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.

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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Preview: Middlesbrough vs Millwall

BY JAMES KELLY

Millwall kick off their 2023/24 league campaign this Saturday as they travel to the Riverside Stadium to take on Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough.

 

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.

Ones to watch

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.

The difference makers

 

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.

What the bookies think:

Bookmakers SkyBet made the home side the odds-on favourites at 10/11 with a Millwall win coming in at 3/1.

 

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Farewell to the head of The Millwall Family

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.

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Millwall vs Preston North End A Preview of the Pivotal Matchup

Millwall vs Preston North End
A Preview of the Pivotal Matchup

Preston Form: WWWLW
Millwall Form: LDDLW

As the Championship season begins to reach its climax, every game becomes increasingly important. That is especially true for Millwall and Preston North End, who will face each other this Saturday afternoon. Both teams are level on points and vying for a spot in the playoffs, which makes this a must-win game for both sides. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the two teams, their recent form, and what we can expect from this crucial matchup.

Preston North End: In Great Form

Preston North End has been in fine form recently, having won five out of their last six games in the league. They’ll be hoping to extend their run with another three points against Millwall. Ryan Lowe’s side is expected to play with a variation of a 3-5-2 formation, and they’ve kept 17 clean sheets from their 41 games so far this season. One player to watch out for is Tom Cannon, who has scored 7 goals in 14 appearances for Preston. Millwall’s defence, led by iconic duo Shaun Hutchinson and Jake Cooper, will need to be at their best to keep him at bay.

The Mighty Lions: Searching for Goals

On the other hand, Millwall has struggled to find the back of the net recently, having failed to score a goal or win a game in their last four league encounters. Gary Rowett’s side is in need of a change, and one player that fans have been calling for is 17-year-old winger Romain Esse. Many believe that his trickery and raw talent could be the solution to their goalscoring woes. Esse has looked comfortable in the limited minutes he’s been given this season and has caught the attention of the England Under 18’s team. Will he get his chance to start on Saturday?

Another change that fans have been calling for is at left-back, where Murray Wallace has been struggling to keep up with the pace of many of the right wingers in the league. Scott Malone is the likely replacement, but he too has had his share of critics this season. It remains to be seen if Rowett will make the change.

The Last Encounter: Flemming’s Hat-Trick

In the last encounter between the two sides, Millwall emerged victorious, thanks in part to a hat-trick by Dutch superstar Zian Flemming. Fans will be hoping for a similar performance from the man who famously hails from Amsterdam and hates West Ham.

Conclusion

With both teams level on points and vying for a playoff spot, this game is sure to be a tense and closely fought affair. Can Preston North End continue their fine form and secure another win? Or will Millwall finally break their goal-scoring drought and emerge victorious? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: this game is a “cup final” for both teams.

As the Championship season begins to reach its climax, every game becomes increasingly important. That is especially true for Millwall and Preston North End, who will face each other this Saturday afternoon. Both teams are level on points and vying for a spot in the playoffs, which makes this a must-win game for both sides. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the two teams, their recent form, and what we can expect from this crucial matchup.

Preston North End: In Great Form

Preston North End has been in fine form recently, having won five out of their last six games in the league. They’ll be hoping to extend their run with another three points against Millwall. Ryan Lowe’s side is expected to play with a variation of a 3-5-2 formation, and they’ve kept 17 clean sheets from their 41 games so far this season. One player to watch out for is Tom Cannon, who has scored 7 goals in 14 appearances for Preston. Millwall’s defence, led by iconic duo Shaun Hutchinson and Jake Cooper, will need to be at their best to keep him at bay.

The Mighty Lions: Searching for Goals

On the other hand, Millwall has struggled to find the back of the net recently, having failed to score a goal or win a game in their last four league encounters. Gary Rowett’s side is in need of a change, and one player that fans have been calling for is 17-year-old winger Romain Esse. Many believe that his trickery and raw talent could be the solution to their goalscoring woes. Esse has looked comfortable in the limited minutes he’s been given this season and has caught the attention of the England Under 18’s team. Will he get his chance to start on Saturday?

Another change that fans have been calling for is at left-back, where Murray Wallace has been struggling to keep up with the pace of many of the right wingers in the league. Scott Malone is the likely replacement, but he too has had his share of critics this season. It remains to be seen if Rowett will make the change.

The Last Encounter: Flemming’s Hat-Trick
Millwall won the last Championship meeting between the clubs, triumphing 4-2 at Deepdale in November. Zian Flemming led the Lions with three goals, netting in the fourth, 16th, and 64th minute. Charlie Creswell also was on the scoresheet. Andrew Hughes and Ched Evans found the net for North End. Millwall Fans will be hoping for a similar performance from the man who famously hails from Amsterdam and hates West Ham.

Millwall have got the better of Preston of late, unbeaten in their last seven Championship matches (W5 D2 L0). Preston are looking for their first league win in fixtures between the two clubs since February 2019. The Lions have outscored North End 11-4 during their unbeaten streak.

Conclusion

With both team’s level on points and vying for a playoff spot, this game is sure to be a tense and closely fought affair. Can Preston North End continue their fine form and secure another win? Or will Millwall finally break their goal-scoring drought and emerge victorious? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: this game is a “cup final” for both teams.

Written by Kieran Mill @kieranhillfooty

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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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Millwall could be set to lose Benik Afobe this Transfer Window.

Millwall could be set to lose Benik Afobe this month according to @EmeryKabongoM on twitter.

The former Stoke man signed for the club on a one year deal in the summer transfer window after spending last season on loan in SE16.

Emery Kabongo is reporting that Afobe will leave London for UAE club Hatta Club.

Another source is also reporting that a medical will take place today at Hatta club (Wednesday).

ThatMillwallPodcast has contacted both Millwall Football Club and Afobe’s representatives for comment.

Image Millwall Fc.

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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