Welcome to another edition of the News At Den Fans Panel. Every few weeks we will be talking to some of our seven members, all lifelong Lions fans, to gauge their views on Millwall, football, sport and the world at large. Joining us this week are are estates manager Matt, 41 and markets risk manager Tony, 51.
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Tony
- You’ve seen Neil Harris over four years before as manager. What did you think of his re-appointment and how favourably do you remember his first reign between 2015-19?
Like many I felt a change was needed otherwise we were heading for certain relegation. I was very surprised with Neil Harris’ appointment but can see the logic as he knows the club, knows the players (having signed most of them) and will rally the fanbase. Personally, I don’t care about the quality of the football now, I care about results and getting over 50 points as quickly as possible. Relegation would be catastrophic. However, there needs to be a proper review in the summer with some accountability.
In some ways his return is similar to 2015 in that we were in a mess but at least this time it is not too late. Last time he rebuilt the club from the disaster of Ian Holloway and gave us some amazing times. He really knew how to use a full Den and how to get a ‘Millwall’ performance. He also got his leaving right both in timing and in how he did it which showed me he cared.
- Given Harris’ return, it got me thinking about club legends. From only players you’ve watched live (so nobody from the 1920s, for example), give me your top three favourite Millwall players and why.
Tough question but from the last 30 years I would say Terry Hurlock, a far better player than given credit for, Tim Cahill – who can forget his big game goals – and Etienne Verveer for New Year’s Day against Crystal Palace (video below). I still smile now whenever I see Gareth Southgate!
- It’s looking increasingly likely that Millwall will have enough to stay up but they are only four points clear of the bottom three at the moment. Which two clubs do you think are going down alongside Rotherham United?
I agree we are moving in the right direction but don’t want to be complacent. I think the current bottom bottom three will be relegated so Rotherham, Sheffield Wednesday, who have a terrible goal difference, and Huddersfield. I would have said Birmingham, but I think appointing Gary Rowett was a smart move and will keep them up despite their awful form.
- There are eight games left of Millwall’s season. Which Lions player would you most like to have a strong end to the season and why?
I think when Zian Flemming is firing, so do Millwall. I also think Michael Obafemi is starting to get fit and he looks a good player and we need goals
- And finally Neil Harris mentioned before the Leeds game that he believes the Elland Road atmosphere is up there with The Den’s. What’s the best atmosphere you’ve experienced away from home?
So many to choose from. Personal favourites for me were mid-90s cup games at Chelsea, Arsenal and Forest. I also smile about a Thursday night game against Portsmouth around the turn of the millennium where we spent the entire 90 minutes chanting about the private life of their then coach which had recently been in the newspapers!
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Matt
- What did you make of the Leeds United game last week?
I don’t think any Millwall fan at the beginning of the game was expecting a win, more the case of how many could we contain them to. During the game, I felt we did very well, and at one point we could’ve nicked a point but Leeds are up there for a reason.
Some players I felt, the occasion got to them and that needs to be addressed.
- That Elland Road loss aside, it’s been quite a formidable turnaround Neil Harris has managed from a side that looked on the floor after the Sheffield Wednesday loss. Were you surprised by how quickly he was able to turn it around?
Not really. Millwall had to act swiftly after the Wednesday loss and when that happened, there were not many managers on the market at the time who have experience of keeping teams in the same division. The days of Sam Allardyce, Mick McCarthy et al are long gone – you can see that when Neil Warnock went to Aberdeen and did not succeed.
So who to turn to? Harris was the obvious choice, a surprising choice nonetheless as he was doing well at Cambridge.
- Given Harris’ return to Millwall, it got me thinking about club legends from years gone by. From only players you’ve watched live (so nobody from the 1920s, for example), give me your top three favourite Millwall players and why.
My top 3 are 1) – Kasey Keller – I always loved a goalkeeper and played that position (so much so I even coach other GKs), he was my idol growing up and an inspiration to be a GK.
2) Teddy Sheringham – This man, not only a proven goal scorer but was so technical and had the best footballing brain I can imagine. Teddy not only scored goals but could find a clear pass for an opening and find the exact position to receive the ball. Not blessed with pace, the sheer intellect of the man was one that made him a cult hero for the club (despite playing for West Ham in later years).
3) Tim Cahill – Again same with Teddy, the brain on this guy was one that of a football genius, his work rate and ability to get all players involved made him a true hero. But the main reason he is my hero was 4th April 2004 – look it up!
- We’ve had a few weeks to digest Joe Edwards’ departure. Where do you think it went wrong for him?
I feel sorry for Joe, his coaching philosophy is one that we would all like our teams to play. However, to change from the style under both Neil Harris and Gary Rowett used to the style of Joe Edwards would not be a “quick fix”, it needed a lot of time and also it needed a complete squad change.
I feel sorry as this should not have happened in mid-season, this should have been done in the close season and then Joe could have a pre-season with players that he can get a tune out of. There is no doubt he is a great coach and will learn from his time at Millwall and will go back into management somewhere else and they will see results, in my opinion.
The players obviously didn’t play for him (which in my opinion is shambolic) and that there probably were some senior players who let their feelings heard, but that’s football, it happens in all clubs.
- And finally, Mike Tyson is taking on Jake Paul on Netflix for some reason. Will you be watching?
Nope. I’d rather watch Eastenders.