JORDAN Archer said he had “goosebumps” such were the noise levels at times during the 0-0 draw with Bradford last weekend.
The goalkeeper kept his seventh clean sheet in 16 games since he claimed the number one jersey from David Forde in an intense and physical clash in front of 9,367 fans at The Den that moved the Lions up to seventh in the table.
Most of those were also singing his name when he let rip at his defence after an error that almost led to Kyel Reid giving Bradford the lead in the first half.
But Archer was keen to highlight the defensive effort of those in front of him after another relatively trouble-free afternoon at The Den.
“It was nice to hear my name chanted,” Archer said. “You don’t get a much better feeling than when fans sing your name.
“Our fans were different class on Saturday – it gave me goosebumps. It is the first time I have heard it that loud.
“If you do keep a clean sheet, keepers get the credit. But the other players do the work, too. I don’t think Bradford had one shot on target.
“(The defence) give me a bit sometimes, and I give them a bit. But everyone is committed to the cause. Talking is something I have tried to improve on. I learned it from David Forde – he is very vocal.
“You give and you take it – but it is not just me. It is like a kick up the backside to get players going.
“It’s about concentration. Sometimes you might not have much to do, but it only takes a second of not being focused and the ball can be in the back of the net.”
Archer says Forde has been giving him invaluable advice since he made his competitive debut for Millwall in the 0-0 draw with Scunthorpe in August.
He explained: “Fordey has been brilliant. Complimenting me if I do well but telling me if he sees something I can improve on. He is not the sort of guy to give bad advice. Our coach Kevin Pressman is great like that, too.”
The 22-year-old also admitted that it would be “unacceptable” were Millwall to finish outside the top six this season given the quality he feels they possess within their squad.
“We had a tough month and sticky start, but thought it would turn around.
“The play-offs are a realistic target. Anything less than that is unacceptable with the squad we have got. I am sure we will be in or about the top six.”