Crystal Palace v Millwall 2425 matchday programme 2425
Crystal Palace
Directors
Chairman Steve Parish,
David Blitzer, Joshua Harris, John Textor
Chief Financial Officer
Sean O’Loughlin
Sporting Director
Dougie Freedman
Club Secretary
Christine Dowdeswell
Head of Sports Medicine
Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad
Academy Director
Gary Issott
Director of U21 Development
Mark Bright
Chief Operating Officer
Sharon Lacey
Chief Commercial Officer
Barry Webber
Chief Marketing Officer
Aaron Duckmanton
General Counsel
David Nichol
Chief of Staff
Noah Abrams
Head of Ticketing
Paul McGowan
Head of Retail
Foz Bowers
Head of Marketing
Matt Franks
Head of Safeguarding
Laura Baptiste
Head Groundsman
Bruce Elliott
Editor Jack Lacey-Hatton
Design Billy Cooke, Stu Ellmer, Lucas Gough
Contributors Robin Johnson, Toby Jagmohan, Ed Dowling, Ian King, Tommy Macarthur
Photography Neil Everitt, Peter Hurn, Sebastian Frej, Pinnacle Photo Agency, Kontent Haus, Toby Jagmohan, Getty
Printer Bishops Printers
oliver glasner
Welcome back to Selhurst Park, and welcome to Alex Neil and his Millwall players and staff for today’s game.
we come into this afternoon’s FA Cup tie following two important wins – and two very good performances – in the Premier League against Fulham and Aston Villa.
Away at Fulham last Saturday, we were excellent defensively and fully deserved the clean sheet, as well as being clinical in front of goal. We managed the game well and hardly gave them any chances, which is not an easy thing to do away from home in the Premier League.
Then on Tuesday night back here at Selhurst Park, we managed to get a big win against a top team competing in the UEFA Champions League – a fantastic night for everyone connected to Crystal Palace. We can take real confidence from both games going forward, and particularly in the way we scored our goals from different phases of the game. Whether it’s set-pieces, or quick transitions, or from open play, we need to be an attacking threat from every method.
At this level of football, you need to maximise the ways you create chances, because the more
We can take real confidence from both games going forward, and particularly in the way we scored our goals from different phases of the game
chances you create the more you’ll score. This can often decide the match and we’ve done this well over the last two games.
It was a real team performance against Aston Villa, but I also wanted to give a mention to Eddie Nketiah after his first league goal for us. He’s a fantastic character in this group.
It was a real team performance against Aston Villa, but I also wanted to give a mention to Eddie Nketiah after his first league goal for us. He’s a fantastic character in this group. Everybody around the club sees how hard he works every week in training – and he deserved his reward with that goal
Everybody around the club sees how hard he works every week in training – and he deserved his reward with that goal. I thought it was also a real positive that everybody wanted to celebrate with him; they were so pleased for Eddie and that shows the real togetherness and team spirit we have within this group.
We’ve had a great start to this week, but it is now really important we end it with a win as well. It’s a cup match, a local derby, and I want to go to the quarter-finals.
It’s a very different game, with a very different story, and we must be ready for the challenge. Of course, it’s knockout football in the cup, so I’m sure they will come and invest everything they have into getting a result. They are strong physically and play with a real togetherness, so it’s our job to find the solutions and get a win. As I said before we played Stockport in the third round, this is a competition that means a lot to us and we want to go as far as possible.
We all know the importance of playing Millwall and ever since the draw was made, I know it’s a game that our fans have been really looking forward to. It’s been a few years since we last played, when Palace managed to get the win, and that adds to the excitement.
Just like when we played Brighton, I enjoy learning about the rivalry and making sure we’re all well aware of what this means to our supporters. Your backing was outstanding on Tuesday night and helped the players to a big performance. Likewise, I know it will be a special atmosphere here today at Selhurst Park – thank you for your support .
We all know the importance of playing Millwall and ever since the draw was made, I know it’s a game that our fans have been really looking forward to. It’s been a few years since we last played, when Palace managed to get the win, and that adds to the excitement
marc Guéhi
Welcome back to Selhurst Park for a huge game as we welcome Millwall in the FA Cup fifth round.
Tuesday night’s performance against Aston Villa was outstanding and we thoroughly deserved the victory. Every single player in our team – both starters and substitutes – stood up and worked hard for each other. We knew that we would have to be on it from kick-off against a team as good as Villa, and that’s exactly what happened. Even when they equalised, we stayed calm, kept creating chances and scored three further excellent goals. It was a great night.
Well done to Eddie on scoring his first Premier League goal for us – hopefully the first of many. I think the celebrations showed how pleased everyone in the dressing room was for him. He’s a real team player who has kept working hard throughout the season and deserved a moment like that in front of a packed Selhurst Park. Congratulations as well to Adam, who made his first start following his injury. He did really well and I know he’ll contribute a lot for us before the end of the season.
Looking ahead to today’s game, we know the significance of a South
Well done to Eddie on scoring his first Premier League goal for us –hopefully the first of many. I think the celebrations showed how pleased everyone in the dressing room was for him
London derby and what this means to the supporters. I was in the team three years ago when we last met Millwall. It was a great game to play in. The atmosphere made it fast and frantic, but as a player you love playing in difficult environments and pushing yourself.
That tie was away from home and we had a difficult start to the match, but the team showed real character and eventually got through to the next round.
But it was still a tough challenge, and we had to be at our best. It was another reminder that league standings don’t really have an impact in cup matches, particularly when it’s also a local derby. We certainly don’t underestimate the challenge today’s game will bring.
I was in the team three years ago when we last met Millwall. It was a great game to play in. the atmosphere made it fast and frantic, but as a player you love playing in difficult environments and pushing yourself
However, I also know that having a raucous Selhurst crowd behind us will spur the team on – hopefully to another big win. Everyone is aware of the importance of today’s game and we know as a team we need to deliver a performance to match such a big occasion. As a group we all want to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and we know we’ve got a real opportunity to do just that.
I can’t wait to hear the atmosphere you create at Selhurst Park today and I know you’ll be right behind us throughout. Enjoy the game .
Everyone is aware of the importance of today’s game and we know as a team we need to deliver a performance to match such a big occasion. As a group we all want to reach the quarterfinals of the FA Cup and know we’ve got a real opportunity to do just that
steve parish
Welcome to the supporters, players, staff and directors of Millwall to Selhurst Park for today’s match, and welcome as always to each and every Crystal Palace supporter here to get behind the team.
Firstly huge congratulations to Oliver and the team for two excellent performances in our previous games. Last time I was writing these notes, ahead of our fixtures against Fulham and Aston Villa, I reiterated that Premier League matches are often decided by fine margins –and so great credit must go to everybody involved for how, at both Craven Cottage and Selhurst Park, we produced such efficient performances at both ends of the pitch to take maximum points.
As always credit as well, of course, to you – our fantastic supporters. The atmosphere you created in both matches was outstanding. As you always do on the road, you kicked every ball with the players in our win at Fulham – a result which saw us record four consecutive away wins in the Premier League for the very first time, and extend our recent run to six consecutive away clean sheets in all competitions.
Just three days later, Selhurst Park was at its boisterous best against Villa. Up against a strong
I reiterated that Premier League matches are often decided by fine margins – and so great credit must go to everybody involved for how we produced such efficient performances at both ends of the pitch to take maximum points
opponent, who are faring well in this season’s UEFA Champions League, you rose to the occasion to produce an electrifying noise under the lights – and the players reciprocated that energy with their performance and the result.
That kind of atmosphere will be needed again today – but on the rare occasion of a South London derby, and with a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals on the line, I have no doubt you will be even louder.
Up against our local rivals, this is a fixture which I am sure both sets of players and supporters will be relishing ahead of kick-off. I am fully expecting as fierce and competitive an encounter as we faced at the Den in this very competition three seasons ago; let us hope for the same result today.
Congratulations to JeanPhilippe Mateta, whose goal on Tuesday saw him move second in our all-time top Premier League scorers list. With 36 now to his name, it’s a fantastic feat. Special mention, too, to Ismaïla Sarr, who marked his 27 th birthday with a welltaken brace; and to Eddie Nketiah for getting off the mark for us in the Premier League. The celebrations following Eddie’s goal demonstrated the unity and spirit within this group, and the club as a whole.
Finally, a reminder, if you can, to get down to Sutton to support our Women’s team ahead of a month of important Women’s Super League matches, including against Liverpool (tomorrow, 2 nd March), Aston Villa (16 th March) and Arsenal (30 th March). Every point – and every
Congratulations to Jean-Philippe Mateta, whose goal on Tuesday saw him move second in our alltime top Premier League scorers list. With 36 now to his name, it’s a fantastic feat
voice – could be vital in our efforts to remain in the WSL.
For now, though, attentions turn to Millwall. Enjoy the game, enjoy the occasion, and give everything you have to push Oliver’s team into the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Up the Palace .
Up against our local rivals, this is a fixture which I am sure both sets of players and supporters will be relishing ahead of kick-off. I am fully expecting as fierce and competitive an encounter as we faced at the Den in this very competition three seasons ago; let us hope for the same result today
Jason Puncheon would become a modern-day Crystal Palace legend during a glorious spell in South London from 2014 to 2019. But years before his arrival at Selhurst he played in today’s fixture for the other side, infamously proving the scourge of the Eagles.
Words: Jack Lacey-Hatton
jason Puncheon was always made for the big occasion.
In his time at Selhurst Park, the Croydon-born midfielder played a huge role in cementing Crystal Palace’s status as an established Premier League club.
Along the way he showed, numerous times, an ability to step up and make an impact in the biggest games. The memories include the day he became the first Palace player to register three Premier League assists in a single game, at West Ham, in a vital 3-1 win at Upton Park.
The late stunner against Norwich that ended a winless run in the league and pulled the Eagles away the relegation dogfight in 2016. His fine free-kick on the way to a 3-1 victory over Liverpool, in Steven Gerrard’s farewell match at Anfield.
Simply put, Puncheon was a player who knew how to turn a match. And, as those present will remember, one night the Eagles were actually on the receiving end of a knockout Punch.
When Millwall and Palace met at the Den back on New Year’s Day 2011, the visitors were struggling at the wrong end of the Championship. Millwall, by contrast, had just received an unexpected boost.
“Funnily enough, I was actually meant to be moving to Crystal Palace at that time,” Puncheon recalls. “It was lined up, but the manager at the time, George Burley, I don’t think thought I was good enough.
“I was close to going to Palace three times before I eventually did. So, this time I ended up going to Millwall. Back then I was at Southampton but was out of the side.
Funnily enough, I was actually meant to be moving to Crystal Palace at that time. It was lined up, but the manager at the time, George Burley, I don’t think thought I was good enough. I was close to going to Palace three times before I eventually did
“A loan seemed a good move, and to be fair that was the first time I had really played in the Championship regularly. I played more in League One and Two at that stage of my career.
“I managed to score the winner on my Millwall debut [away against Middlesbrough] and it all just went from there.
“Then we play Palace, and everything I hit went in! I scored a hat-trick and got a standing ovation. Strangely, I think it might have opened up the Palace fans eyes to having me on their radar, perhaps thinking ‘Jason Puncheon is there doing well, and he’s a local boy.’”
Millwall won 3-0, with the Eagles seemingly in freefall. The result left Palace in the Championship relegation zone, three points adrift from safety.
It proved to be a seminal moment for both sides. It was George Burley’s
jason puncheon
we play Palace, and everything I hit went in! I scored a hattrick and got a standing ovation. Strangely, I think it might have opened up the Palace fans eyes to having me on their radar, perhaps thinking ‘Jason Puncheon is there doing well, and he’s a local boy’
in football was, when a coach says that to you, it’s time to leave. I always felt it was my destiny to
final game in charge as manager, which proved the route to Dougie Freedman taking charge. Meanwhile, Puncheon had made his mark and was temporarily a Millwall hero.
“It sounds strange, because obviously I’m a Palace man – it was my hometown club – but from my own experience I can’t say a bad word about Millwall.
“It was a great atmosphere in the dressing room, they had some real fighters in there and Kenny Jackett was a great manager. For a while after I thought it was a shame I didn’t get to work with him longer.”
Thankfully for the Eagles, Jackett and Millwall weren’t able to sign Puncheon permanently; “After the hattrick the price went too high!” he says, reflecting on the sliding doors moment.
Instead, Puncheon stayed at Southampton and got into the side. But when the Saints decided to let him go in the summer of 2013, he wasn’t going to miss an opportunity to return to South London.
“I was in pre-season with Southampton,” Puncheon says. “I wasn’t thinking for sure I’d be leaving. But I was in a 50-50 situation with the coach at the time, Mauricio Pochettino.
“Then I saw Pochettino – he told me; ‘Look, Crystal Palace want you, and if you want to go, you can go. My rule in football was, when a coach says that to you, it’s time to leave.
“I always felt it was my destiny to play for Crystal Palace at some stage. It was my hometown club. I just didn’t know when it would be.”
What started as another loan move, in the 2013/14 season, would become the best spell of Puncheon’s
People always say to me the FA Cup in 2016 [reaching the final] but I think my biggest achievement was in that first season. I don’t think it gets the credit it should, because without that season we wouldn’t have been able to go and get the calibre of players we got down the line
career – not to mention one of the greatest eras in Palace club history.
But the man himself says that first season in SE25 was as good as anything he experienced, and, in his opinion, goes under the radar.
“I think that first year in the Premier League remains the standout,” explained Puncheon. “To stay in the league the way we did, it was a massive, massive achievement.
“People always say to me the FA Cup in 2016 [reaching the final] but I think my biggest achievement was in that first season.
“I don’t think it gets the credit it should, because without that season we wouldn’t have been able to go and get the calibre of players we got down the line.
“We only had a few players at the start who actually had Premier League experience, then we got the likes of Scott Dann in January.
But everybody wrote us off. That team did so well.
“And the team spirit was amazing. That’s easy when you’re at the top, but harder when you’re fighting relegation.”
As the team developed at rapid rate over the seasons that followed, Puncheon remained a calming, consistent presence for the Eagles.
He was also someone who could always chip in with a goal when needed – in 2014/15, only forwards Dwight Gayle and Glenn Murray scored more for Palace.
Puncheon became such a focal point of the team that he would eventually captain Palace in 2017, taking over the armband from Dann.
“That moment [to captain the team] gave me great pride,” he adds. “I do also think that I always felt like a captain, because I was a leader in the dressing room right from when I arrived.
“But when you get the armband it’s almost like rubber-stamping it to say; ‘This guy is a leader, we trust him’.
“It wasn’t so much that I was from the area, I just think when I got a bit older I wanted to lead by example.
“From when I was at Southampton, I think I learned a lot about leadership as they had some real leaders in that side. I always wanted to bring that to Palace.”
Despite achieving so much during his six seasons, the midfielder was never able to experience the South London derby from a Palace perspective, with the two sides in different divisions.
But he certainly has plenty of FA Cup experience to reflect on, ahead of the resumption of the rivalry in today’s fifth-round tie.
team] gave me great pride, I do also think that I always felt like a captain, because I was a leader in the dressing room right from when I arrived. But when you get the armband it’s almost like rubber-stamping it to say; ‘this guy is a leader, we trust him’
Puncheon’s stunning goal at Wembley in the 2016 final against Manchester United remains etched into the minds of all who witnessed it. But as the man himself says; “I look back and think we should have won that game.”
It appears for Puncheon that the journey is just as memorable as the destination, at least when it comes to that particular campaign.
“The FA Cup was massive for us that year. Obviously, we had the wider thing in the background of not winning Premier League games at the time.
“But we went to White Hart Lane in the fifth round and we had six or seven injuries. But we managed to get a win with Martin Kelly getting the winner.
“I always remember that game as it showed that even in tough circumstances, we were still together.”
The FA Cup was massive for us that year. Obviously, we had the wider thing in the background of not winning Premier League games at the time. But we went to White Hart Lane in the fifth round and we had six or seven injuries. But we managed to get a win with Martin Kelly getting the winner
You have to have your own ideas, that’s fact – but you will still take ideas from other coaches, of course. The biggest influence on me – probably more of a management rather than coaching influence – is Sam Allardyce
Although he’ll have one eye on the result of today’s cup tie, Puncheon has his own exciting finish to the season to worry about this weekend.
Out in Cyprus, where he currently manages Akritas Chlorakas, his team are locked in a tight race to be promoted to the top-flight. They play ASIL Lysi today in the first of eight games remaining this season, as they battle it out at the top of the table.
But does Puncheon the coach take inspiration from any of the managers he played under in South London?
“You have to have your own ideas, that’s fact – but you will still take ideas from other coaches, of course. The biggest influence on me – probably more of a management rather than coaching influence – is Sam Allardyce.
“I loved the way he dealt with a whole group of 25 players. Nobody
He could handle the big personalities. He wanted you to go out and do the job, if you didn’t do it then you didn’t play. He also helped me change my style and position, I played a little deeper and he worked on that with me
got special treatment, he treated everyone the same way and that’s what I want to do. I learnt a lot from his style.
“He could handle the big personalities. He wanted you to go out and do the job, if you didn’t do it then you didn’t play. He also helped me change my style and position, I played a little deeper and he worked on that with me.
“But I learnt little things from all of them.”
Being leadership material and having worked with so many top coaches, it is no surprise to see Puncheon thriving in the dugout. Maybe one day we’ll see him on a touchline back in England – just hopefully not against Palace.
As we’ve learnt from New Year’s Day 14 years ago, it’s better to have him with you, rather than against you .
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with jason puncheon
After talking us through some of his standout memories for both Millwall and Palace – we asked Jason Puncheon to pick out some of his favourite teammates from across his time at both clubs.
Obviously, I was only at Millwall a short time but picking one player from then it would be Steve. You could take passes from him even if you weren’t in the right place. He was a very clever footballer.
yannick
bolasie
Teams couldn’t really handle Yannick when he was in full flow. I used to think we complemented each other really nicely.
adrian mariappa
I’ll get a defender in for some balance! Adrian just complemented my game so well. We just reached each other easily. It’s not often the case where understanding on the pitch is completely natural – but it was for us. I played some of my best football with him behind me at fullback. You could depend on him.
mile jedinak
Mile was a great leader by example. At the time I first played with him I was a little more offensive but I knew he’d always be there for me behind my back. He knew his job was to clean up, sweep the midfield and do the defensive stuff and he could say to us “you guys do what you need to do.” He was brilliant.
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millwall f.c.
the lions
Lions searching for consistency
It is difficult to sum up Millwall’s 2024/25 season to date. At times they have looked like serious playoff contenders – as they were two seasons ago, when only a cruel twist on the final day denied them.
A run of just two league defeats between the end of August and the start of December, which included four wins in-a-row, supported a belief that the Lions could once again fight it out for a top six slot.
But they have also been let down by some rotten runs, including six league games without a win after Christmas.
The managerial appointment of Alex Neil at the turn of the
year, after club legend Neil Harris announced he was standing aside, does seem to have provided a lift – although a recent 5-1 loss at relegation-threatened Plymouth Argyle sums up their inconsistency.
However, their FA Cup run has provided a source of joy. After seeing off National League outfit Dagenham & Redbridge without issue in the third round, one of their best displays of the season came in the next stage.
Millwall reached the last 16 after Femi Azeez’s double and a Liam Roberts penalty save secured a stunning 2-0 away win at Leeds United. That excellent performance at Elland Road has earned them today’s tie at Selhurst Park, and the opportunity to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2019.
“It
key players
Millwall have asserted themselves as play-off contenders once again this season having previously gone close to a top-six finish in recent years. Here we look at their key players…
rising star
Jensen has become one of Millwall’s most consistent performers after joining on a long-term contract from Lincoln City last summer. Standing at 6’6”, the Dane enjoyed a successful campaign personally at Sincil Bank last season.
He kept 19 clean sheets in 45 matches – the most in the division – as The Imps only narrowly missed out on the Sky Bet League One playoffs on the final day. Over February and March he kept seven clean sheets in just eight matches, with the big keeper later named Lincoln’s Player of the Season for his efforts.
Jensen actually quit football entirely for three years during his teenage years to pursue elite mountain bike racing, taking part in both European and Scandinavian Championships. He later returned to the beautiful game, managing to breakthrough in England.
After playing in the second tier of Danish football, he was scouted by Burnley, with loan spells following at Bolton, Carlisle and Accrington Stanley.
Comfortable at both centre-half and right-back, Tanganga has proven an astute recruit at the Den.
The 25-year-old defender joined The Lions last summer on a free transfer and put pen-to-paper on a long-term contract in SE16 –previously breaking through across the capital at Tottenham.
Raised in Hackney, Tanganga joined the Spurs academy aged just 10, signing a professional contract in 2019 and making his senior debut in the League Cup away to Colchester that year. During his time in North London, he gained Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League experience making 19 appearances in 2021/22.
Tanganga first moved to Millwall last season on loan and repaid their faith with a series of excellent displays, before his move was made permanent. At international level he has represented England at every age group from Under-16 to Under-21.
belgium brilliance
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Despite having never previously played in English football, De Norre has established himself as a reliable source of quality in the Millwall midfield over his 18 months at the club.
The Belgian, who can operate in central midfield or at right-back, made his professional debut for Belgian
Division One side St. Truiden, where he spent three-and-a-half more years before opting for a short hop to Genk.
Whilst there he represented the national Under-21 side and tasted Champions League football against European heavyweights Liverpool and Napoli.
De Norre made his Millwall debut at Middlesbrough on the opening day of the 2023/24 campaign, going on to make 32 appearances under Gary Rowett, Joe Edwards and Neil Harris’ leadership in his first season at the Den.
This season he has already contributed three goals in all competitions, after netting his maiden strike for the Lions on the final day of last season against Swansea.
new arrival
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Irish forward Aaron Connolly has already made an instant impact at the Den, having only arrived last month.
In his first home start for the Lions, Connolly produced an instinctive close-range finish just 30 seconds into a 2-1 win over QPR –and already looks like a fan favourite. He brings a wealth of experience in the Championship, having also featured consistently for two seasons in the Premier League during his time at Brighton.
After two-and-a-half seasons of top-flight football – and numerous caps for Republic of Ireland – Connolly joined Middlesbrough on loan and then later made six appearances for Hull City before making the move to the MKM Stadium permanent in the summer of 2023.
Scoring eight goals in his first full season with The Tigers, the Irishman then moved onto Sunderland, before signing for Millwall last month during the transfer window. He has nine caps at senior international level for the Republic of Ireland.
Femi
Aidomo
squaddepth
Mihailo
Josh
through time
1910
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Millwall move to New Cross and find their long-term home at the ‘Old’ Den – at an estimated cost of £10,000. In different guises the club had previously occupied four different home grounds in the 25 years since their original formation in East London by J.T. Morton’s canning and preserve factory; limited expansion space on the Isle of Dogs meant The Lions had to move to boost support and attendances. They played their first fixture at the venue against Brighton & Hove Albion in October. Within a decade they would be a Football League club for the first time.
1988/89
The Lions enjoy a remarkable first ever season in the top-flight. After winning promotion the previous year as second division champions, Millwall were hot favourites to go straight back down under manager John Docherty. But a stunning start saw them win four of their first six league games – and by the beginning of October they are top of the table. A home win over Sheffield Wednesday has the Lions fifth at Christmas. Although they do endure a tough second half of the season, and fail to win any of their final 10 games, Millwall still finish a mightily impressive 10th place. The strike partnership of a young Teddy Sheringham and Tony Cascarino is key – the duo hitting 30 goals between them in all competitions.
1885
1889
1901
1903
1910
1920
1943
1964
The club are founded as Millwall Rovers by workers of JT Morton’s factory on the Isle of Dogs
Re-named as Millwall Athletic after relocating to The Athletic Grounds
Millwall relocate to North Greenwich
Reach second FA Cup semifinal in three years
Millwall move once again, this time to New Cross, naming the new stadium ‘The Den’
Join Football League for the first time, in the third division, with first game a 2-0 win over Bristol Rovers
Forced to play games at other London venues after the Den is bomb damaged during World War Two
Start of a remarkable unbeaten home record in the league (59 games)
1983 Football League Trophy winners under George Graham
1987
1990
2004
Promoted to the top-flight of English football for the first time in club history
Relegated back to the second tier
Millwall compete in the club’s first-ever FA Cup final under player-manager Dennis Wise
2005 First ever European campaign in the UEFA Cup
2003/04
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After making a strong start to the season in the second tier, with Millwall only six points off league leaders Sheffield United, manager Mark McGhee leaves the New Den. He is replaced by Dennis Wise, who had joined the club the previous season, firstly as caretaker, then as player-manager. Although Millwall eventually finish outside the play-off places, their season is made by an extraordinary run to the FA Cup final. With the likes of a young Tim Cahill, Darren Ward and Neil Harris in their team, the Lions see off Sunderland 1-0 in the semi-final to reach the final at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium. On the day an injury-hit Millwall are beaten 3-0 by Manchester United. But in doing so, they become the first team from the second tier to play an FA Cup final in over twenty years –and also qualify for the UEFA Cup, for a first ever taste of European football the following year.
dreamfive
GK kasey keller
One of the most storied US national players in history, Keller began his professional career at Millwall straight out of college in Portland. He stood out over a four-year stretch as one of the best keepers in the league. Millwall were forced to sell him to Leicester in 1996, but he remains one of their greatest ever stoppers.
def paul robinson
Playing over 300 league games in a 14-year stretch for the Lions, Robinson’s finest moment came in the 2010 League One play-off final when he scored the winning goal to fire Millwall back to the Championship against Swindon Town.
mid tim cahill
The much-loved Aussie may be best remembered by many for his eightyear stay at Everton in the Premier League, but he was made at Millwall. A key part of the team that reached the FA Cup final in 2004 – Cahill scored the winning goal in the semi-final against Sunderland at Old Trafford.
fwd teddy sheringham
Sheringham began his legendary career south of the river, making over 200 league appearances during his eight years with the club. His 111 goals during that time mean he is one of only two players to have scored a century of goals for Millwall.
fwd neil harris
Also manager of the club twice, Harris is widely considered Millwall’s greatest ever player. Across two separate spells, he broke Sheringham’s club record and finished up with 138 goals by the time he finished up in 2011. Only three players have played more games for the Lions than Harris.
kitstory
best worst celebrity lions
Home: 2022/23
The embossed lion on the front of this shirt is a cool touch. Begrudgingly, we’ll admit it, this is a
Home: 2012/13
This actually isn’t entirely terrible – but the white left shoulder completely ruins it. It looks like two separate designers
away: 2003/04
You don’t see green and white stripes together perhaps as much as you should. This is a smart design with Ryman a nicely-fitting sponsor.
away: 1998/99
We don’t really know what’s going on here – there’s so much to unpack. It has the feel of a shirt you would see at the bottom of the school P.E kit lost and found.
gary oldman
Despite having a soft spot for Manchester United due to George Best, legendary actor Oldman is actually a Millwall fan – with his dad previously on the books at the Lions in the post-war years.
david haye
The hitman – a former World Heavyweight Champion – will be hoping Millwall can land a (FA Cup) knockout blow this weekend.
tamer hassan
The London-born actor actually played the leader of a Millwall football firm in cult classic film The Football Factory. No method acting required!
eagle eye
@RichCawleySLP
Sports Editor Richard Cawley has written for the South London Press since 2007, covering Millwall, Palace, Charlton, AFC Wimbledon – and clubs across the capital. Here, Richard gives his thoughts on Millwall’s season so far.
At the start of the season what were your expectations for Millwall this season? And have performances matched how you thought it would go?
Millwall needed a resurgence under Neil Harris to pull away from the relegation zone last season, so I don’t think anyone would say that there was any kind of strong expectation of a promotion challenge.
It’s been a solid season so far, with the Lions still able to record positive results despite the upheaval of a head coach change.
They are strong defensively but, as has often been the case in recent years, need a little bit more in the final third to muscle into the top-six shake-up.
What have you made of Alex Neil’s appointment and his impact so far?
He’s done a very good job, especially when you consider he has also had injuries to key men to contend with. Four of Millwall’s six away wins have come under the Scot and all with clean sheets recorded.
His first win after being appointed boss was in the FA Cup,
He’s done a very good job, especially when you consider he has also had injuries to key men to contend with.
Four of Millwall’s six away wins have come under the Scot and all with clean sheets recorded
against Dagenham & Redbridge, and the Lions have lost just once in their last nine outings in all competitions.
Neil has also had to contend with a hectic fixture schedule since taking over the reins, limiting time on the training ground with his new troops.
How have the team coped following the departure of Romain Esse?
As touched on, Millwall head into the Palace game in strong form. In an ideal world they would still have Romain, but this team still has plenty of attacking threat – in particular summer signing Femi Azeez, who scored both goals in the previous round’s 2-0 win at Leeds United, providing pace and directness.
Camiel Neghli, signed for a club record fee in January from Sparta Rotterdam, is still settling in, but has shown flashes of quality.
Who is Millwall’s most important player and who’s contribution flies under the radar?
Japhet Tanganga. I’m looking forward to his battle with JeanPhilippe Mateta this afternoon.
The former Tottenham defender has been class since he arrived in SE16, initially on loan before a permanent transfer in the summer. Great physicality and never looks anything less than unruffled.
Joe Bryan is one who doesn’t always get the credit he deserves. He adds attacking fluency down the left and can whip in a dangerous free-kick.
Give us a name for the future to keep an eye on...
Ra’ees Bangura-Williams. The attacking midfielder has earned his first-team chances under Neil and marked his debut with a corking finish against Dagenham.
The youngster has appeared unfazed by being handed action at
senior level. He has produced assists in three successive Championship matches.
It’s vital that Millwall keep developing talent and it has been a promising start by Bangura-Williams.
Finally, how do you think the rest of Millwall’s season will go –and what is your score prediction for this afternoon?
Millwall have still got to visit Burnley, Sheffield United, Sunderland and Blackburn, so if they were to get into the play-offs it would be doing it the hard way.
They will probably finish anywhere between ninth and 12th, which even at that lower number would still be them outperforming their budget.
For today’s game, I don’t want to jinx anything by going for a Millwall win.
I’ll say a tight 1-0 victory for Palace. No reason why the Lions can’t pull it off though.
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AWAY DAY TO REMEMBER
En route to a third placed finish in Division One back in 1995/96, Palace travelled to the Den in March of that season in the midst of an eight-game unbeaten run. Millwall were at the other end of the table fighting (an ultimately unsuccessful) battle against relegation. The hosts should have taken the lead but Nigel Martyn brilliantly saved Alex Rae’s penalty kick with his feet. Second-half goals from David Hopkin, Kenny Brown and two from forward George Ndah sealed a famous victory for the Eagles.
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last time out: olise is up for the cup
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granville’s greatest hour
Clashes between the two clubs are often nervy affairs – but this meeting, in December 2002, was particularly tense. With barely quarter of hour to go the game was locked at 0-0 when Palace won a free-kick in a dangerous area. Step forward Danny Granville who curled his effort in, via the underside of the bar. Cue bedlam at Selhurst, with Granville whipping his shirt off and sprinting towards the dugout in a memorable celebration.
The most recent meeting between the two sides also came in the FA Cup, at the third-round stage back in 2022. Despite a partisan home crowd erupting after Benik Afobe put the hosts ahead, eventually Premier League class would shine through. A lively affair would eventually turn into the Michael Olise show, the France winger spinning the game on its head, almost singlehandedly. His stunning curling effort levelled the tie with the second-half only a minute old. Palace piled on the pressure and made it count before the hour mark, Olise producing a wonderful cross that gave Jean-Philippe Mateta the chance to head home, with the away end erupting.
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Despite meetings between Palace and Millwall becoming something of a rare event in recent years, today’s tie is the eighth time the two sides have been drawn together in the FA Cup, with a few of those previous encounters requiring replays. Below, historian Ian King looks back to when the two sides met in the fourth round back in 1929.
it had taken Second Division Millwall three attempts to get past Northampton Town in the previous round. By contrast, Palace’s journey had begun by seeing off Kettering Town, then Bristol Rovers, before a 7-0 hammering of Luton Town following a replay.
The initial tie was held at The Den, New Cross on Saturday 26th January 1929 and the terraces were packed 30 minutes before kick-off, with a reported crowd of over 40,000. However, it was not a game for the purists as it ended in a 0-0 stalemate. There was lots of endeavour on both sides, but with few chances actually being created.
Back in the era of replays, this meant a second meeting would be required to settle the tie. The replay took place the following Wednesday afternoon and was altogether a different affair for the 26,405 spectators, an exceptional attendance for a midweek game in the days when most people would be at work – with floodlights still over 30 years away.
For Palace, Harry Thoms made a rare appearance in place of Jimmy Wilde. It was a totally different game containing pace, ball control and
1929 5 3
finesse, with Palace starting the game on the front foot and scoring twice in 30 minutes. The first came following a free kick through Hubert Butler and then a three-man move ended with George Clarke lobbing the ball over Millwall keeper Lansdale for Lewis Griffiths to walk it into an empty net.
Despite being without Billy Bryant their centre half and forward Jack Cock carrying an injury, the Lions were level by half-time with two goals near the break, Cock heading home a pass from George Chance and Alf Black driving home.
The second-half started with the Palace goal leading a charmed life before the tie turned – Butler again headed a third goal and Albert Harry followed with the fourth.
By now Palace were well on top with the Lions unable to recover and
Butler went on to complete his hat-trick. Late on Millwall rallied and reduced the deficit through Jack Landells before the final whistle, but it was the home side who advanced.
For Palace, the star man was Albert Harry with his wing play stealing the show, while Stan Charlton showed a cool head at the back when Palace were under pressure.
The reward was a trip to Huddersfield Town who, earlier in the decade, had won the Division One Championship three years in-a-row, as well as twice finishing runners-up and were still very much a force to be reckoned with.
Another matchday is upon us at Selhurst Park, so it’s time to get your heads in the game – can you tackle all our tough teasers below?
Can you fit the 10 names to have represented both Millwall and Crystal Palace?
SPOT THE BALL
Prove that you are eagle-eyed – which ball is the real one?
8 letters lawrence puncheon townsend
6 letters EASTER garvan muscat
5 letters derry ifill obika
4 letters esse
Guess the Palace player based on their former clubs!
from the terraces
The page for supporters: taking your comments from the terraces into the programme. Want to get in touch? Use the details below.
Cheers to 46! Happy birthday, Aaron!
Wishing Bob ‘The Cat’ Bevan a very happy birthday for earlier this week, congrats on his 80th and hope you had a great day. Many happy returns from all your friends and family.
Happy 80th Birthday to the biggest Palace fan we know. Attending Selhurst park to watch Palace for the last 75 years! (And still enjoying the rollercoaster that is supporting palace!) Lots of Love from all the family. Let’s hope for another good FA cup run this year!
Hello Stanley! 7 months old & already a Palace Fanatic! We love you very much and can’t wait for you to attend your first game. Love Daddy and Grandad John x
A big welcome to Eagles fans and Brixton Gas superstars, Sam and Tom Ross, as they host their party in Legends hospitality this afternoon. Also, welcome to George Ousby, who we hope has a wonderful time up to kick-off.
I would like to wish Leo a happy birthday hope you have a good day from all the family.
A special documentary film focusing on the life Palace fan Bill Boakes, who died in 2022 is premiering at the Ritzy Cinema, Brixton this weekend. Made by Tim Block, the documentary will be aired during the Revolution at the Ritzy event. An Eagle-Eyed Marxist focuses on the inspiring story of Boakes, a lifelong political fighter who never gave up on his dream of a better world. Tim is hoping to see as many Palace fans get down as possible. The event starts at 1.30pm and entry is free.
Crystal Palace were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of beloved supporter ‘Nan Pam’ Blomfield. The thoughts and condolences of everyone at the club are with Pam’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.
We never got the chance to say goodbye but just wanted you to know. That we will always love you Dad (Dave) and you’ll forever be in our hearts! Happy heavenly birthday x
The beloved “Crystal Palace Hat Lady” Elloney Foster, recently passed away on February 12th 2025. Elloney spent years spreading joy and happiness with her beaming smiles and her knitted hats and scarves.
Email programme@cpfc.co.uk with a message of 30 words or fewer and an image to feature on our messageboard.
24/25 fixtures & results round-up
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