GARY ROWETT felt that Millwall could not have done any more to secure a top-six finish this season – but admitted that they would need to strengthen over the summer if they are to challenge for promotion in 2023-24.
The Lions fell at the final hurdle after losing 4-3 at home to Blackburn Rovers last Monday afternoon. The defeat felt even more painful given the circumstances, with the hosts leading 3-1 heading into the half-time break knowing that three points would have seen them achieve their goal regardless of results elsewhere.
However, a second-half capitulation saw Rovers strike three times as both teams missed out on a place in the play-offs, with Sunderland’s 3-0 win away at Preston North End enough to see them move up to sixth.
The reality is that Millwall’s play-off bid was not only lost on the final day of the season, but rather also after a disappointing run in April when they won just two of their seven league games.
However, Rowett was keen to stress how hard the players have worked over the last nine months, adding that work will need to be done over the summer to help them go one better next season.
“I don’t think this team could’ve given any more over the season,” Rowett said. “I don’t think they could’ve worked any harder, I don’t think they could’ve been any more together. They’ve been so spirited.
“We need to go and improve again, we need to go and push on again, we need to go and identify areas which have perhaps been a little bit problematic during the season.
“We need to strengthen, it’s as simple as that, really. Sometimes, in games like this, you learn little things that you just need in the team.
“I thought we were capable of it. I still think we should’ve been capable of it, but we have to accept that we got beaten.”
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Photo: Millwall FC
