GARY Rowett insists all is “very, very positive” in the Millwall camp ahead of Saturday’s clash with Derby – but admits to a “tinge of trepidation” ahead of the Championship’s resumption.
The Lions will play their first competitive game since March when they welcome Derby County to a supporter-less Den this weekend.
Strict protocols will be followed. Derby will be in a different part of The Den from the normal away changing rooms. Lions players will also get togged out at different times. There are designated arrival times for photographers and media, all of whom are obligated to wear facemasks for the duration of their time inside the stadium.
Millwall returned to training at Calmont Road at the end of May before resuming contact sessions earlier this month.
Preparations had gone well by earlier this week. The Lions defeated Colchester in a friendly in SE16 last Sunday, and had one more in-house practice match scheduled this week.
Ben Thompson and Aiden O’Brien were the only injury doubts, while goalkeeper Frank Fielding and midfielder Ryan Leonard have returned to boost the squad for the run-in.
Millwall have nine games left and it’s all to play for as they sit just two points off Preston who are in sixth.
“It feels like the end of pre-season when everyone’s just desperate to get the season started and get the games going,” Rowett said.
“We’ve had a few in-house practice matches, we had a friendly against Colchester last weekend. We’ve got another in-house practice match [Tuesday]. The lads have enjoyed the games and the feel of a real game at the stadium. They’re just keen to get it all back on now and get started.
“We’re very, very positive about the situation we’re in in terms of how prepared we are and how fit the players are.
“But I think there’s a tinge of trepidation for everyone because you’re going into what’s almost like a mini-tournament over five weeks over which there are going to be lots of twists and turns and different things to deal with, I’m sure.”
Rowett praised club staff at all levels for their work ahead of the much-anticipated restart.
He said: “I have to say I think the club so far have been fantastic in how they’ve dealt with it. We’re trying to do the best we can to give everyone a fair chance. We’re doing the best we can to be as prepared as possible.
“It’s a real challenge. It’s a real challenge for me and the staff, and for the likes of [CEO] Steve [Kavanagh] and the guys who are having to work incredibly hard to make sure we meet all the protocols.”
Image: Millwall FC