ISSUE
22
JED WALLACE
WE'RE IN A GREAT POSITION 1
2
CONTENTS NEWS WALLACE: WE’RE IN A GREAT POSITION
OPINION
4 12 18 36
PREVIEW WALSALL
STATS
THREE THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR
MILLWALL PAYING THE PENALTY?
FEATURE
PLAYER PROFILE
MILLWALL A TO Z
MATCH REPORT
ALAN DUNNE
MATCH REPORT
0 (2)
MILLWALL 1
MILLWALL 1 (1)
CREWE 1
OXFORD
3
8 16 28 42
ŠMillwall FC
WALLACE: WE'RE IN A GREAT POSITION By John Kelly
ED Wallace was eager to focus on Millwall’s good recent form rather than the disappointment of losing out on Wembley this week ahead of a crucial clash with Walsall this weekend.
want to do everything I can to help the team.
The Lions’ 1-0 win over Oxford on Tuesday night, when Wallace ended up playing in defence after Mark Beevers’ sending off, wasn’t enough to turn around the tie as the U’s progressed to April’s showpiece final.
“But if you’d asked anyone at the start of the season if they’d be happy at this stage going for a win that could put pressure on the top two, then they’d have taken that.
J
“It was frustrating. When we went 1-0 up I thought, ‘They’re a bit shaky, we could nick another one here’. But the ball was like a pinball in the box, it just wouldn’t fall to anyone.
“I know it sounds silly but we still won the game and that’s four unbeaten now, three wins and a draw. The manager wanted us to win the game but unfortunately it wasn’t enough.
Wallace, 21, says it’s his “dream” to play at Wembley and insists time is on his side for that to eventually become a reality. “We threw everything at it,” Wallace said. “If the manager asked me to play in goal I’d do it, I just
“It’s gutting, it’s my dream to play at Wembley as it is for a lot
5
of people. “On the other side of it there’s no point being disappointed. We didn’t get what we wanted in an ideal world but with football you get a chance to quickly put it right. What a performance we could put on this weekend and put real pressure on the top two. “I’ve got a lot of friends at Oxford and it’s disappointing that a lot of my friends are going to be playing at Wembley before I am, but I’ve still got 15 years yet and I’ll be getting there, don’t worry about that. “Oxford would be right up on our heels if they were in League One, and it’s highly they will be (in the division) next season. We came here, where they haven’t lost many games this year, and on another day we could’ve nicked another goal. “Apart from Jordan (Archer) making a good save from the free-kick they didn’t have much else really, and that was with me playing right-back! “To be fair to them they made it difficult for us. Every time I got the ball I felt there were about eight people trying to tackle me, there was no room at all. It is what it is and you move on.” Wallace, meanwhile, has settled quickly in the Millwall dressing room. After moving from Portsmouth to Wolves and then to Millwall within six months he accepts that having to adapt to new circumstances is part and parcel of the job. “I just crack on,” he said. “That’s football, you’re always changing dressing rooms. I’m just happy to be here and grateful to the manager for giving me the chance. I’m enjoying my football.” 6
“IT’S GUTTING, IT’S MY DREAM TO PLAY AT WEMBLEY AS IT IS FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE”
7
©Millwall FC
8
PREVIEW: WALSALL By John Kelly
J
OE Martin could make his first league start for Millwall since the 2-1 win over Oldham on January 9 in the centre of defence in place of the suspended Mark Beevers.
“I was disappointed for the huge number of fans who came to support us again. It would’ve been another positive step for us to experience a final together as a group,” Harris said.
Beevers is banned for two games after his sending off against Oxford on Tuesday night, his second red card of the season.
“But it was really good for us, there were a lot of plusses. We had one bad 30-minute spell and it cost us a place at Wembley. It’s part of the learning curve for us as a group.”
Martin partnered Byron Webster when he came on in the second half and has played in the position for previous club Gillingham. Sid Nelson, whose last start was in the 1-0 defeat to Walsall on Boxing Day, is another option.
Walsall dominated possession when the two sides met at The Den on December 26 and despite stuttering home form this year their 2-1 win at Doncaster this week leaves them just a point off Burton at the top of the table.
Right-back Shaun Cummings could also be unavailable meaning Neil Harris is potentially without four defenders for the clash with second-placed Walsall.
The Saddlers are 12 points ahead of Millwall in the last play-off spot but manager Sean O’Driscoll won’t let his squad get complacent.
Shaun Williams is a doubt with the foot problem that caused him to miss the 1-0 win at the Kassam Stadium.
“I don’t get excited – trust me. There’s 18 games to go so 12 points is nothing,” O’Driscoll told the Express & Star.
Harris has fewer attacking worries, with Lee Gregory getting his 16th goal of the season on Tuesday.
“In football you can’t take anything for granted. “It’s a really small squad and the temptation in the window was to bring two or three people in.
“It’s a great achievement and knowing Lee he would have been disappointed he didn’t add to it,” Harris said. “He loves scoring goals and is in a rich vein of form.
“We opted against it because they’ve got where they’ve got doing what they’ve done and you’ve got to give them responsibility and credit.”
“Add in Steve Morison, Aiden O’Brien and Jed Wallace’s quality and it gives us a good outlet at the moment.
Match odds: Walsall 13/10 Draw 12/5 Millwall 2/1
“If you’ve got your centre-forwards almost guaranteeing you a goal a game between them then it gives you a chance of winning any game of football.”
Probable Millwall team: 4-4-2: Archer; Cummings, Webster, J Martin, Ferguson; Wallace, Abdou, Williams, O’Brien;
Despite going out of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy at the last-four stage, Harris emphasised their involvement in the competition was beneficial. 9
10
11
CASE FOR THE DEFENCE Millwall could be without four senior defenders for the clash with Walsall at the Bescot Stadium. Walsall are likely to keep the ball for long spells against the visitors, and that will require concentration and patience from Neil Harris’ back four. Despite all Walsall’s possession in their 1-0 win at The Den on December 26 it was actually from a long ball that Sean O’Driscoll’s side profited to score the decisive goal. And it came from a mistake by a player who could replace the suspended Mark Beevers this weekend, Sid Nelson misjudging the flight of the ball to let Milan Lalkovic in to score.
THREE THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR By John Kelly
12
Whether it’s Nelson who starts, or more likely Joe Martin (Even if Neil Harris mentioned Shaun Williams as an option, but that would then also involve changing the midfield), Millwall’s defence will be weakened by Beevers’ absence. Not only is he a solid defender in his own right, but he exudes calm even if sometimes his ungainly way of playing doesn’t always seem to exhibit it. He admits himself he is a laidback character and that attribute is a reassuring one for Byron Webster, who doesn’t quite give the same impression on the pitch. Coupled with Carlos Edwards’ continued absence and therefore the absence his assurance gives the side, it could be a long and awkward afternoon for Harris’ last line of defence. It may be a case for digging in the trenches and hoping the attack can capitalise on any chances that come their way.
TIME FOR A BIG SCALP
CLEAR ROAD AHEAD
Millwall haven’t beaten any of the sides currently above them in the table. Not just that but they’ve been second best for long spells in games against Burton, Walsall, Gillingham, Wigan and Coventry.
It was disappointing to go so close to qualifying for a Wembley final and the excitement of the build-up would have provided an enjoyable distraction. But a distraction nevertheless.
Having said that they probably deserved something more than defeat given the number of chances they created in their single-goal losses against the current top two.
Millwall can, for the first time this season, focus solely on the league. We’ve mentioned here before that the first half of the season looked more daunting. International breaks, weather postponements and cup fixtures, combined with the fact that no other London side in the division meant long journeys and therefore longer recovery periods, ensured a real test of resilience. They’ve come through all of that and sit sixth in the table.
That’s the one thing almost guaranteed with this Millwall team – their style of play almost always guarantees the creation of chances. The way they play also sometimes relies to some degree on good fortune in the attacking third: The ball breaking fortuitously in the box; a really precise cross like Jed Wallace’s in the 3-1 win over Port Vale; a mistake from a defender.
So maybe we have yet to see Millwall at full tilt this season.
Of course if you get enough crosses into the box on enough occasions then it’s more likely than not something positive will result from it. (The infamous ’81-cross’ game involving David Moyes’ Manchester United and Fulham is the opposite result.)
Millwall have also won 10 of their 17 games away from home this campaign. That knowhow at this stage is crucial. It’s also important that they’ve rediscovered the ability to pick up points from losing positions, with four gained – and within a couple of inches of six – in the last two games.
On Tuesday night it was obvious Oxford had prepared to deal with that strategy. Lee Gregory battled well with centre-backs Jake Wright and Johnny Mullins but Michael Appleton’s side funneled enough players back to sweep up and clear away any danger.
Walsall is, on paper, their toughest fixture this month before a potentially decisive March. Rochdale away follows the trip to the Bescot before successive home games against Scunthorpe and Peterborough and then Doncaster away.
Walsall have the second-best defence in League One having conceded just 27 goals in 28 games so you’d imagine they’ll be wise to Millwall’s threat from the wide positions, where Wallace and Shane Ferguson are capable of pinging accurate crosses to targets in the area.
It all opens up the exciting possibility that Millwall could be well established in the top six before the final, decisive two months of the season.
A chink of optimism can be found in the Saddlers’ home form this year where they have lost 3-0 to Rochdale and drawn with Blackpool.
As Wallace said this week, they’d have taken that before the start of the campaign. The conditions are favourable to take advantage and push on.
It will take an effort similar to the one at Sheffield United, when Millwall withstood pressure and then clinically took their chances, to unexpectedly win at the home of the Midlands side.
13
14 ©MillwallFC
The most recent fixture between Millwall and Walsall was at The Den on Boxing Day, 2015 – the score on that occasion was 1-0 to the Saddlers.
Stat's that... BY JOHN KELLY
36 1927 7-1 1-0 14
12
Walsall and Millwall have met on 75 occasions, with the Lions having the historical upper hand with 36 victories to Walsall’s 20. There have been 19 draws. The first meeting between the two sides was in Division Three (South) on December 3, 1927. The Lions won 7-1 on that occasion. That is also Millwall’s biggest margin of victory over this Saturday’s opponents.
12
Walsall’s biggest margin of victory over Millwall is remarkably also 7-1, which they achieved on December 15, 1956.
14
The most recent fixture between Millwall and Walsall was at The Den on Boxing Day, 2015 – the score on that occasion was 1-0 to the Saddlers.
37K 42K
Tom Bradshaw is Walsall’s leading goalscorer this season with 14 goals, 11 of them scored in the league.
15
Walsall’s most creative player is arguably Romaine Sawyers with 12 assists this season, with nine coming in the league, which is a joint league high along with Gillingham’s Bradley Dack. Sawyers has also scored six goals this season, so he has had a hand in 18 goals this season. Millwall currently sit sixth in the League One table on 44 points, four places and 12 points behind Sean O’Driscoll’s outfit, who are up in second place. The Saddlers can also boast a goal difference that is 14 better than Millwall’s: Walsall: +20; Millwall: +6. The Lions have 56,200 followers on Twitter. Walsall have 37,400. The Lions also have 113,400 likes on Facebook. Walsall have 42,800.
©MillwallFC
MILLWALL PAYING THE PENALTY? By @Millwall_Stats
ILLWALL have been awarded three penalties already this year. Lee Gregory has scored two and was unlucky to see his second penalty against Crewe last weekend come back off the post.
M
Millwall have been awarded eight penalties in total this season. Gregory also missed one against
Coventry in the Lions’ 4-0 defeat at The Den in August. Steve Morison struck the crossbar with his one and only spot-kick this season against Barnet in the first round of the League Cup. But how do this season’s numbers compare with the last five previous years? @Millwall_Stats compiled some numbers for us…
2015-2016:
8 penalties awarded: 3 missed.
2014-2015:
6 penalties awarded: 2 missed.
2013-2014:
7 penalties awarded: 1 missed.
2012-2013:
3 penalties awarded: 1 missed.
2011-2012:
8 penalties awarded: 2 missed.
2010-2011:
8 penalties awarded: 2 missed. *Up to February 5, 2016
17
18
E
IS FOR EXTRAORDINARY & EXTREMES By Mark Litchfield
Y
After replacing McCarthy as manager in 1996, Jimmy Nicholl said of Yuran: “The only thing the other players could have possibly learned from him while he was here was how to steal a living. He’s the most unprofessional player I’ve ever met.”
OU could probably say that living every day as a Millwall fan is extraordinary in itself.
But, whether its to do with goals, games, transfers or other miscellaneous moments, the extraordinary and extreme have been on show a number of times over the years.
Kulkov and Yuran are somewhat Lions veterans compared to some players from more recent times. At the other end of the appearance scale to the likes of Barry Kitchener, Harry Cripps, Neil Harris et al – test your knowledge and see if you remember these – are the likes of Martin Rowlands, Justin Cochrane, Federico Bessone and Jens Berthel-Askou - the latter seeing red on his debut v Leicester City – who featured just once in the blue.
The most extraordinary transfers in Den history are probably those of Vassili Kulkov and Sergei Yuran. In the mid-90’s, Mick McCarthy brought the two Russians to SE16 on loan from Spartak Moscow, apparently beating the likes of Barcelona to their signatures in the process. Billed as ‘the next big things’ in football, thirteen appearances and one goal later, Yuran (along with Kulkov – 6 appearances, 0 goals) left the club in disgust; with a drink-driving charge in their back pockets, too.
More extremes include the Lions’ biggest win in their history – two 9-1 wins over Torquay United and Coventry City in 1927 – and their two biggest defeats – a 1-8 loss to Plymouth in the league in 1932, plus a 1-9 19
reverse at Aston Villa in the FA Cup in 1946 – as well as their largest attendance in their history, as they defeated Derby County 2-1 on their way to the FA Cup Semi Final in 1937; 48,762 people crammed into The Den on that day.
died, the doom and gloom of financial restrictions and relegation came into view, as the Lions went through no more than five managers in one season – Claridge kicked it off before being replaced by Colin Lee; after he was sacked, Dave Tuttle took charge, only to be sacked, too, with Alan McLeary and goalkeeping coach, Tony Burns, taking charge until the end of the season.
Curtis Weston became the youngest FA Cup finalist in history in 2004, replacing Dennis Wise with minutes to go at 17 years and 119 days, but he comes nowhere near the youngest Lions player of all-time – Moses Ashikodi featured in a game at Brighton and Hove Albion in February 2003 at the age of 15 years and 240 days.
Perhaps the most extraordinary moment to make the news in a bizarre sense, though, was the story of a meat pie halting play in a game against Birmingham City in 2002.
The club have also featured at each extreme of the league pyramid; a spell in Division Four, beginning in the 1958/59 season saw the Lions hit the bottom of the pile, but in 1988/89, captained by Les Briley, Millwall featured in Division One for the very first time, after winning Division Two (now the Championship) the year before.
Linesman, Phil Barston, alerted the referee during the second half to a missile that he had been struck by. On inspection, the object in question appeared to be a half-eaten meat pie. For any younger fans that may not have known about this, yes, it actually happened. The Sun reported the story as ‘Millwall’s notorious fans added a new chapter to soccer’s shameful week when a linesman was pelted with missiles.’ Give me strength.
The most extraordinary and extreme moment in a managerial sense came at the beginning of the 2005/06 season, as Steve Claridge was shown the exit door after just 36 days in charge – and zero games. As the euphoria of the FA Cup Final and consequent appearance in the UEFA Cup
So, there we have it. The extraordinary and extreme at Millwall. Is there anything else you can think of? Let us know!
20
F
IS FOR FA CUP By Mark Litchfield
out Fulham (2-0) in Round Three and Chelsea (3-0) in Round Four.
HEN it comes to football, the FA Cup is the greatest competition in the world. Nothing beats it and nothing ever will.
W
Round Five saw Derby County defeated 2-1, whilst the Quarter-Finals saw Manchester City beaten 2-0. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be in the Semi-Final, but the Lions had had an incredible run to get there – looking at the teams beaten, it wouldn’t be such a bad run these days!
For Millwall Football Club, the FA Cup has brought success and happiness to Lions fans and players up and down the years – three Semi-Finals and one Final, to be exact.
It took 67 years for Millwall to reach another FA Cup Semi, but this time, they were to go one better, reaching the showpiece occasion at the Millennium Stadium against Manchester United in 2004.
The first venture into the final four was in the 1936/37 season, as the club eventually bowed out to Sunderland, 2-1, in front of 62,813 people. The first two rounds were particularly straightforward, as Aldershot and Gateshead were swept aside 6-1 and 7-0 respectively, before the Lions advanced to the last 16 after completing a west London double, putting
With the Lions being a Championship side at the time, the first two rounds were skipped, as Walsall became their first victims in Round Three on January 4th; goals from Kevin Braniff 21
and Tim Cahill started the road to Cardiff.
Club history, Tim Cahill’s 25th minute strike proved to be the only goal of an extremely tense afternoon in Manchester, sending the Lions into their first ever FA Cup Final against the giants of Manchester United.
At the third attempt, the Fourth Round tie with non-league Telford United was played on February 11th, just three days before a potential Fifth Round tie with Burnley, with the Lions winning 2-0, courtesy of goals from Paul Ifill and Dennis Wise. Despite the quick turnaround, over 10,000 fans made their way to The Den for a Valentines’ Day clash with the Turf Moor outfit, which was decided by a Danny Dichio header, from a superb Kevin Muscat cross. For the first time since 1985, Millwall were in the FA Cup Quarter-Finals.
A Ruud van Nistelrooy double (one a dodgy penalty, one offside) was backed up a Cristiano Ronaldo opener shortly before half-time as United won 3-0, but the day remains in the hearts of every Lions fan, whatever the score. Kenny Jackett finally got his much desired cup run in 2013, as the club made the Semi-Finals for a third time, eventually losing out to Wigan Athletic at Wembley by two goals to nil.
The last eight gave the Lions what seemed a favourable draw, as League One Tranmere Rovers came to SE16. However, a goalless draw – complete with Kevin Muscat missed penalty – meant it was all up to Birkenhead on Tuesday, March 16th for a replay. This time, the team produced a vintage performance, racing into a 2-0 lead after just 16 minutes through Tim Cahill and Neil Harris. Gary Jones’ consolation just before half-time did not deter the Lions, as they made their way to an Old Trafford Semi-Final with Sunderland.
Preston North End, Aston Villa, Luton Town and Blackburn Rovers fell victim to the Lions on that occasion, but unfortunately, they couldn’t make a second Final in under a decade, as Wigan went on to shock the world, defeating Manchester City to win the FA Cup. What has been your greatest FA Cup moment?
In perhaps one of the most famous days in Millwall Football
22
ŠMillwallFC
23
WALLACE URGED WOLVES BOSS: LET ME STAY AT MILLWALL By John Kelly
M
ILLWALL’S on-loan winger Jed Wallace told Wolves manager Kenny Jackett he was eager to stay at Millwall before his deal was extended for a further two months earlier in the week. enough to secure a place in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final at Wembley, boss Neil Harris spoke of using the disappointment as fuel for a promotion charge.
The 21-year-old has proven a hit with Lions fans with his energy and skill and he said he was “grateful” to be playing for the club. “I was delighted to get it done,” Wallace said. “I spoke to Kenny and made it really clear I wanted to carry on playing my football here.
And he wants the more experienced members of the squad to set the example for the rest of the season, beginning with Walsall this weekend.
“I was desperate to stay, it’s a good fit and I’m enjoying playing for the manager. He gives me that freedom and knows I work hard. He lets me get on with the way I want to play.
“Anything I ever missed out on as a player I always used it as a positive,” Harris said. “I’ve got some good senior players that can certainly help the group with that.
“The fanbase is really good as well so it’s a good place for me to play my football. I said that when I signed and that doesn’t change five or ten games down the line. I’m really grateful to be playing for a club like Millwall.”
“There will be disappointment after the result, of course there will. But the real disappointment for me was three weeks ago. We came to win the game and see where it took us. We did that and got very, very close. In the cold light of day it’ll hurt but
Meanwhile, after the 1-0 win over Oxford on Tuesday night wasn’t
25
it’s a positive going into Saturday. “That’ll be a really tricky one and Walsall aren’t near the top of the league for nothing. They’ve had consistency and have good players. “We need to regroup and be spirited like we were (Tuesday) night and have that same drive and hunger. We’ll need a little bit more quality than we had in the final third to get another result on Saturday.”
26 ©MillwallFC
27
ŠMillwall FC
P LAYER PROF I L E :
ALA N DUNNE By Mark Litchfield
T
HE game of football today is run by greed, money and the pursuit of success at any cost. The word ‘loyalty’ doesn’t register with most – especially those at the top. began to appear on the subs bench numerous times during the 2002/03 campaign, as Millwall finished 9th in the old Division One.
However, for 23 years – ending at the beginning of this season – Millwall Football Club had someone among their ranks that bled blue and white from the age of 10 – and probably still does.
Suspension to Matt Lawrence in February 2003 saw Dunne make his first start for the Lions in a 2-0 defeat at home to Reading, but just three appearances later, Lawrence returned, shifting the Irishman back on to the bench.
Rising through the youth ranks from his primary school days, Alan Dunne made his 387th and final appearance for the Lions at Wolverhampton Wanderers on the final day of the 2014/15 season. 23 goals – one for each year, perhaps – accompanied those appearances, with the last one coming at Birmingham City in February 2015, as the club finally laid to rest their St Andrews hoodoo.
The 2003/04 season saw Dunne make just 8 appearances (4 from the bench) and he was a non-playing substitute in the 3-0 FA Cup Final defeat by Manchester United at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, but the following campaign – 2004/05 – saw the right-back begin to nail down a place in the match-day squad, making 19 appearances, scoring three goals – his first three for the club – in the process.
Dunne made his debut on March 19th, 2002, in a 3-2 defeat at Sheffield United, coming on as a 67th minute substitute for loanee, Stephen McPhail and deputised on the right hand side of midfield. He didn’t feature again that season, but
His first ever Lions goal came in a 2-1
29
defeat of Gillingham at The Den on October 19th, 2004, with the next two coming within three games, as a spell on the right wing produced strikes against Rotherham United and Nottingham Forest; the latter memorably being a beautifully curled strike into the top corner.
2007 meant he would miss just over two months of the season, eventually returning to action in February 2008, making a further 6 appearances. Dunne made 27 appearances in the 2008/09 season, which saw the Lions cruelly miss out on promotion back to the Championship via the League One play-off final, as Scunthorpe United snatched victory with just five minutes to go on a baking hot afternoon at Wembley, but, spearheaded by the likes of Dunne, Paul Robinson, Tony Craig, David Forde and Neil Harris, they went one better the following season, defeating Swindon Town 1-0 at the Home of Football to claim their place back in the second tier.
The 2005/06 season was tumultuous on and off the pitch for the Lions, as five managers came and went, with the campaign ultimately ending in relegation from the Championship to League One, but through the adversity, Dunne completed his first full season at first-team level, making 40 appearances, scoring one goal, in a heated 2-2 draw with Birmingham City in the League Cup, which the Blues won on penalties, despite the heroics of loan ‘keeper, Lenny Pidgeley.
Now back at right-back, the Irishman made 38 starts in the first season back in the Championship, with a further 25 coming in the 2011/12 campaign. Before that season began, Dunne was granted a testimonial game for his services to the club – the game, on a sweltering day in south London, saw the Lions defeat Charlton Athletic 4-3 in a thriller.
That would actually be the most starts Dunne would make in a season in his whole Lions career, but the firstteam action came thick and fast, as he made 32 appearances in Millwall’s first season back in the third tier, scoring seven goals – his best goal return. The Irishman scored for three games running near the beginning of the season (Brentford on September 26th, Rotherham on September 30th and Carlisle on October 7th) and added four more before the season was out, scoring in the FA Cup win against Havant and Waterlooville, as well as at Huddersfield in April, along with a double in the home game with Tranmere Rovers.
With Millwall fighting to stay in the second tier in the 2012/13 season, Dunne’s solitary goal in 25 appearances was a crucial one, as the Lions defeated Leicester City 1-0 live on Sky, nudging themselves away from the relegation zone – they would eventually stay up on the final day, with Kenny Jackett leaving his post shortly after.
Playing the ‘utility man’ role, Dunne was becoming a permanent fixture under the stewardship of Kenny Jackett, but an injury in the first few minutes at home to Bristol Rovers in November
The 2013/14 campaign saw Dunne begin the year as a right-back and end it as a centre-back, under Ian Holloway. With the Lions seemingly dead and buried with ten games to go, Dunne’s 30
31
switch to the middle coincided with an eight-game unbeaten run, allowing the Lions to complete a second great escape in as many seasons. However, the 2014/15 season was third time unlucky, as the departure of Holloway came too late for caretaker manager, Neil Harris, to keep the Lions in the Championship. 39 appearances and two goals ensured that the Irishman would leave the club as a first-team regular, but ultimately, Dunne’s Millwall career would end in relegation. He was no stranger to a sending off – he picked up no less than 10 red cards in his Den career – but Dunne’s committed, heart-on-his-sleeve style of play endeared him to the majority of Lions fans over the years. Sitting in 6th place in the all-time appearance holders list, Alan Dunne is up there with the likes of Barry Kitchener, Neil Harris, Keith Stevens and more when it comes to names synonymous with Millwall Football Club. Whatever your opinion of him, one thing is for certain – he is Millwall through and through.
32
33
34
35
OXFORD UNITED MILLWALL
0 1
(2) (1)
©MillwallFC
M defeat.
Neil Harris sprung Fred Onyedinma from the bench to replace Ed Upson, but Millwall couldn’t find that crucial goal that would have sent the tie to penalties.
ILLWALL couldn’t claw back a two-goal deficit from the first leg against Oxford United, who moved into the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final in April despite a 1-0
JPT JOURNEY ENDS – BUT IT WASN’T ALL IN VAIN There’s no doubt the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy has been good for Millwall this season.
Lee Gregory gave the Lions the lead and some hope when he turned sharply in the box to finish Aiden O’Brien’s cross to the net in the 54th minute.
Their 1-0 win over Peterborough in round one and the nature of it – an injury-time goal from Shaun Williams when it looked like the winless run at The Den would extend to six games – gave the side belief.
But the Lions’ task was made even more difficult in the 65th minute when Mark Beevers received a red card. Callum O’Dowda almost drew Oxford level from the free-kick that resulted but Jordan Archer pulled off an excellent save.
Harris then had the relatively win-win opportunity to give Joe Martin and George Saville their debuts in the next round against Northampton, before Lee Gregory bumped up his goal tally with four in the 5-3 win over Plymouth.
Alex MacDonald then shot low with Millwall conceding space as they pressed for a second only for Archer to again make the save.
36
In December, after Harris had questioned his team’s attitude in the FA Cup defeat to Wycombe, he watched his side respond with a 2-0 win at Southend in the area semi-final, a result they bettered in the league when they won 4-0 at Roots Hall in their last game of 2015.
a cross-shot into the box. It went behind Gregory but his touch and turn set up the chance to shoot past Buchel from six yards. That nervousness that was evident in the centre-back pairing manifested itself again less than 10 minutes later. Beevers had just been booked for stopping an Oxford counterattack when he then got on the wrong side of Danny Hylton and fouled the striker on the edge of the box. Referee Scott Duncan produced a red card, the defender’s second of the season.
The competition has provided infusions of confidence at key points in the season. There will be disappointment at not reaching Wembley, but acknowledgement of the value of the cup run. OXFORD DON’T GIVE AN INCH Millwall started this game positively, but without really pulling Oxford out of their shape.
Millwall left more space at the back as they looked to rescue the tie and Archer went forward for one last free-kick that he got a touch to but Martin flicked the ball wide.
You could see the plan: Get the ball directly to Steve Morison and Gregory. The problem was in the first half that Johnny Mullins and Jake Wright were comfortable dealing with that tactic and Oxford were compact enough to have enough players around the edge of the box to clear the ball.
It was a commendable effort and there will certainly be some pride at the way they went about it.
Millwall’s strategy fed into Oxford’s, too, with Kemar Roofe and MacDonald in particular looking dangerous when they ran at Millwall’s defence. It didn’t help either that Byron Webster and Beevers looked so nervy when the ball was cleared to them. Roofe was aware of it and was quick to close down leading to hurried clearances and more pressure on the defence. Oxford were clearly also aware of the potential of Jed Wallace to cause them problems, with John Lundstram disciplined and diligent enough to help his left-back Joe Skarz. Wallace tested Benji Buchel once before the break with an awkward shot that bounced just in front of him. Meanwhile, Liam Sercombe started to show his class and Oxford were the more constructive side. They thought they’d won a penalty when the ball bounced off Jimmy Abdou’s arm – and it looked more of a spot-kick than the one Millwall got late in the game against Crewe last weekend. It seemed like it was going to need a fortuitous break in the box for Millwall to create a scoring opportunity and when it came it wasn’t quite that unsophisticated. O’Brien, who had been relatively quiet and struggling to get anything from 18-yearold on-loan Everton right-back Jonjoe Kenny, sent
©MillwallFC
37
ŠMillwall FC
MILLWALL BOSS WANTS MORE COMPOSURE FROM PLAYERS By John Kelly
N
from time when his effort from 12 yards struck the bottom of the post.
EIL Harris wants his players to show more composure on the ball and forget about the expectations of supporters, particularly at The Den.
Harris was satisfied with the way his side recovered from after Inman’s strike, but was disappointed not to come from a goal down to win for the second successive week.
Millwall constructed some intricate attacking moves early in the first half of Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Crewe to create a number of chances, but were less cohesive in attack after the break.
“I’m frustrated because obviously you get a penalty with a couple of minutes to go and you really fancy that the boy, having scored one already, is going to put it into the net and we come from behind to win another game,” the Millwall boss said.
Crewe goalkeeper Ben Garratt denied Aiden O’Brien, Lee Gregory and Steve Morison with smart stops in the opening 45 minutes, and the Railwaymen punished Harris’ faltering side with just under an hour gone when Brad Inman scored from the penalty spot. Lee Gregory equalised just five minutes later with a penalty of his own, but couldn’t achieve the same outcome two minutes
“So I’m disappointed, but it could turn out to be a good point gained. “I think when you get into that top six and you’re playing against a
39
team at the foot of the table, the fanbase expect you’re going to roll them over. But it doesn’t quite materialise like that. “If I’m being honest I’m more disappointed we weren’t ahead at halftime after the three good chances we had before the break, and with the quality we’ve got I’d have expected us to take them. “But, again, no lack of effort or passion from the boys, just (lacked) a little bit of quality at the key moments. “I think the players can still relax a little bit more with the ball. Yes, they’re playing for the supporters but the only person they need to impress is me. I’ve reiterated that a thousand times, they’ve got to be composed and enjoy playing. “They have to realise that nil-nil at half-time or after 60 minutes isn’t a bad thing. If you try to build momentum and do what you’re good at and get balls into the box, the openings will come. “I just thought we lost our way at times in the second half. In the first half we put a lot of good balls into the box and put Crewe under a lot of pressure. But in the second half we just didn’t have that quality in the final third.”
40
41
MILLWALL CREWE ALEXANDRA
1 1
©MillwallFC
L
EE Gregory missed a late penalty as Millwall came from behind to claim a point against a stubborn Crewe side at The Den on Saturday afternoon.
Millwall were level just five minutes later, Gregory firing low into the bottom corner from 12 yards after Garratt was deemed to have fouled Byron Webster.
The Lions looked like they were going to nick it after referee Christopher Kavanagh had awarded his third penalty of the game, but Gregory’s spot-kick hit the post.
Jed Wallace should have given Millwall the lead with just over 10 minutes left but he was off target after Morison had picked his run out in the box. Crewe handled in the area with just under five minutes left, but Gregory couldn’t punish them.
Millwall should have been in front at the break, but Ben Garratt made impressive saves from Aiden O’Brien, Lee Gregory and Steve Morison and wasn’t troubled by a couple of efforts from long range from Shaun Williams.
ARCHER BLAMELESS This was the second time in his last four games that Archer has given away a penalty but if he was at fault against Gillingham this time he could have legitimate complaint about why his defence left so much space for two Crewe attackers to run into. Cooper beat him to the ball and went down. It looked like the Crewe winger had made the most of it and after Kavanagh had pointed to the spot
Crewe went in front in the 59th minute when Jordan Archer fouled George Cooper in the box and Brad Inman slammed the penalty into the top corner.
42
maybe he sensed the same as he only cautioned Archer.
performance of Cooper, could have gone ahead but Archer was at full stretch to parry away James Jones’ drive from outside the box.
Five minutes later he evened the score when he penalised Garratt. The decision looked harsh but Gregory didn’t care and confidently slammed home his 15th goal of the season.
After the rapid-fire exchange of penalties either side of the hour mark, Wallace looked like he was finally going to get his first goal for Millwall but after Morison had found him with a delicate pass in the area he again fired over.
The penalty drama wasn’t over, and Gregory was inches away from making it six from the spot this season – but instead had to contemplate a second miss of the campaign. It was arguably a just result after what looked like another wrong call. SETTLED LIONS This was the third league game in a row that Harris had named the same side and Millwall took the confidence from three successive league wins into the fixture. They should have been ahead at the break but squandered a number of chances. One of the features of this Millwall side is they always create opportunities, the best coming in the opening period and the last few moments of the first 45 minutes.
©MillwallFC
Without being anything like relentless, Millwall managed to carve out three one-on-one chances, the best falling to Morison when perhaps he had too much time to think about what he wanted to do when the best thing might have been to lift the ball over Garratt in the Crewe goal. Where Wallace was laser accurate with the cross that created the first goal against Port Vale, here he was frustrated as several – still excellent – deliveries were marginally not precise enough for Gregory to get a decisive touch to. Wallace had a glorious opportunity to put Millwall in front in the 43rd minute. Crewe’s defence had pushed well up to try to catch Gregory offside, but he spun away down the left with Wallace’s run from the right flank spotted by the home crowd and then by Millwall’s top scorer. But the on-loan Wolves player seemed to get his stride wrong and could only awkwardly lift the ball over the bar. It should have been the opener. In between, Crewe, who were demonstrably growing in confidence, best epitomised by the bright
©MillwallFC
43
LEAGUE ONE TABLE P W D L F A G D PT
1 B ur t o n A l bi on 2 8 18 3 7 37 2 3 14 57
2 Wa ls a l l 2 8 1 6 8 4 47 2 7 2 0 56 3 Gilling h a m
2 9 1 6 6 7 55 36 1 9 54
4 W iga n A t h l e t i c
2 9 1 4 1 0 5 4 8 2 9 1 9 52
5 C o v en t r y C i t y
2 9 1 3 9 7 4 8 32 1 6 48
6
2 8 1 3 5 1 0 4 4 38 6 44
MIL LWA L L
7 So ut h e n d U n i t e d 2 8 1 2 8 8 38 35 3 44
8 P o r t Va l e 30 12 7 11 34 35 -1 43 9 Sh e f f i e l d U n i t e d 2 8 1 1 9 8 4 5 39 6 42 10 P e t e r borou g h U n i t e d 2 8 1 2 5 1 1 53 4 1 1 2 41 1 1 B r a d for d C i t y 2 7 1 1 8 8 2 8 2 9 -1 41
12 B a r n s l e y 2 8 12 3 1 3 4 5 42 3 39 13
Sc unt h or p e U n i t e d
14 R o c h da l e
28
11
5
12
33
37
-4
38
2 7 1 0 7 1 0 37 37 0 37
15 B ur y 2 7 10 7 10 36 40 -4 37 16 Do n c a s t e r R ove r s
2 9 9 9 1 1 35 39 -4 36
17
2 9
Swindon Tow n
1 0
5
14
42
47
-5
35
18 B la ck p ool 2 9 9 6 1 4 2 8 35 -7 33 19 C h e s t e r f i e l d
2 8 9 3 1 6 38 4 8 -1 0 30
2 0 Sh re w s bu r y Tow n
2 9 8 5 1 6 34 4 9 -1 5 29
21 F le e t w ood Tow n 2 7 7 7 1 3 34 37 -3 28 2 2
O ld ha m A t h l e t i c
2 7
4
12
11
2 7
40
-1 3 24
23 C re w e A l exa n dr a
2 8 5 8 1 5 2 8 50 -2 2 23
24
28
C o lche s t e r U n i t e d
44
5
7
1 6
36
65
-2 9 22
FIXTURES W ALSALL B E SCOT STA D I UM S ATU RDAY 6TH FE B R UA RY
ROCHDALE SPOTL AND STA D I UM S ATU RDAY 1 3T H FE BR UA RY
SCUNTHORPE UNITED T HE DEN TUESDAY 1 6T H FE B R UA RY
PETERBOROUGH UNITED T HE DEN S ATU RDAY 20 T H FE BR UA RY
DOnCASTER ROVERS KE EPMOAT STA D I UM S ATU RDAY 27 T H FE B R UA RY 45
PLAYER STATS LEAGUE ONE
Ap p
Sta r ts
Assi sts
Go als
D. F or de 8 7 0 0 J. Ar c h e r 2 1 2 1 0 0 S. Cu mmi n g s 1 6 1 5 1 1 T. Cr a i g 1 6 1 6 0 1 S. Ne l s on 6 6 0 0 M. B e e ve r s 2 7 2 7 1 4 B. We bs t e r 2 2 1 7 0 3 S. Fe r g u s on 2 6 1 6 6 2 M. R ome o 0 0 0 0 J. Wa l l a c e 4 4 2 0 C . Edw a r ds 1 3 1 3 1 0 J. M a r t i n 1 3 1 3 0 2 S. Wi l l i a ms 2 5 2 5 2 2 E . U p s on 1 8 1 2 1 0 L . M a r t i n 8 2 1 0 J. P o w e l l 1 1 0 0 B. T homp s on 1 2 4 1 0 N. A bdou 1 5 1 4 0 1 J. P hi l p ot 0 0 0 0 K . Tw a r de k 0 0 0 0 G. S a vi l l e 1 2 1 2 0 0 P. Cow a n H a l l 3 0 0 0 L . G re g or y 2 5 1 9 1 9 F. O ny e di n ma 2 6 1 6 1 4 J. M a r q u i s 6 0 0 0 S. M or i s on 2 8 2 6 3 7 A. O ’ B r i e n 2 6 2 2 4 8 A. P a ve y 4 0 0 0 46
UNDER 21S AUGUST Nottingham Forest (A) 3-1 (Pavey)
ACADEMY ROUND-UP
Crewe Alexandra (H) 1-0 (Philpot) Charlton Athletic (A) 0-1 (Abandoned) (Romeo)
LAST GAME
Ipswich Town (H) 3-0 (Philpot, Pavey, Okenabirhie)
PALACE 3-3 MILLWALL
SEPTEMBER
MFC GOALSCORERS:
Leeds United H 3-1 (Pavey 2, Wood) Bolton Wanderers (A) 0-2
POWELL, ONYEDINMA, TWARDEK
Coventry City (H) 4-1 (Wood, Pavey 3) Hull City (A) 0-0
MILLWALL LINE UP:
OCTOBER Plymouth Argyle (H) 1-0 (Wood)
King
Huddersfield Town (H) 0-2
Romeo
QPR (A) 0-4 (Eze 3, Ndjoli)
Chesmain
Colchester United (H) 1-0 (Wood)
Thompson (Farrell, 68’) NOVEMBER
Nelson
Palace (H) 5-1 (Martin 2, Upson, Thompson, Powell)
Wood
Swansea (A) 1-2 (Ndjoli 2)
Onyedinma DECEMBER
Powell
Brentford (H) 1-0 (Martin)
Marquis
Watford (A) 0-1 (Ndjoli)
Philpot
Wolves (A) 1-3 (Onyedinma, Romeo, Cowan-Hall)
Twardek JANUARY Cardiff City (H) 1-1 (Twardek)
Subs not used:
Charlton (A) 1-1 (Marquis)
Girling
Palace (A) 3-3 (Powell, Onyedinma, Twardek)
Parr TOP SCORERS: Alfie Pavey - 7 Keaton Wood / Mikael Ndjoli - 4 Lee Martin / Ebere Eze - 3
Ndjoli Eze 47
LAST SEVEN GAMES DATE
2 -Ja n -16
9-J a n-1 6
1 4 -J a n-16
C O MP E T IT IO N
L e a g u e On e
Lea g u e One
J PT
O PPO N E N T
B a r n s l e y ( A)
Ol d ha m ( A)
Ox for d Utd (H)
RES ULT
2 -1 L
1 -2 W
0 -2 L
GOAL K E E P E R
For de
For d e
For d e
DEF E N DE R S
E dw a r ds ( 68 )
Cu mmi ng s
Cu mmings
We bs t e r
Web ster
Web ster
B e e ve r s
B eevers
B eevers
J Martin
J M a r ti n
J M a r ti n (64)
Ony e di n ma ( 4 6)
Wa l l a ce ( 65)
Wa l l a ce
S a vi l l e
Ab d ou
Ab d ou
W i l l i a ms
Wi l l i a ms
Wi l l i a ms (7 8)
U p s on ( 4 6 )
Fer g u son
Fer g u son
M or i s on
M or i son ( 8 7)
M or i son
O’ B r i e n
G reg or y ( 7 7)
G reg or y (85)
SUB
Archer
Ar cher
Ar cher
SUB
N e l s on
Nel son
Nel son
SUB
Fe r g u s on ( 46)
Upson
Upson (7 8)
SUB
A bdou ( 6 8 )
Thompson
Onyed inm a (85)
SUB
T h omp s on
Onyed i nma ( 7 7)
O’ B ri en (64)
SUB
P h i l p ot
O’ B ri en ( 65)
SUB
G re g or y ( 4 6)
M a r q u i s ( 8 7)
MIDFIE L D E RS
AT TAC K E RS
1 7-Jan-1 6
2 3 -Ja n -16
30 -J a n-1 6
2 -Feb -1 6
Le ague O n e
L e a g u e On e
Lea g u e One
J PT
Po r t Va le ( H)
C h e s t e r fi e l d ( A)
Crew e ( H )
Ox ford U td (A )
3-1 W
1- 2 W
1 -1 D
0-1 W
A rch e r
Archer
Ar cher
Archer
C um m in gs
C u mmi n g s
Cu mmi ng s
Cu mmi ngs (68)
We b ste r
We bs t e r
Web ster
Web ster
Be evers
B e e ve r s
B eevers
B eever s
Fe rg uson
Fe r g u s on ( 7 6 )
Fer g u son
Ferg u son
Wal lace (63 )
Wa l l a c e ( 6 3 )
Wa l l a ce
Wa l l a ce
A bd o u
A bdou
Ab d ou
Ab d ou
W illiams
W i l l i a ms
Wi l l i a ms
Up son ( 82)
O ’Brie n ( 88 )
O’ B r i e n ( 7 8 )
O’ B ri en
O’ B r i en
M ori so n
M or i s on
M or i son
M ori son
G re go r y ( 88 )
G re g or y ( 8 8 )
G reg or y
G reg or y
F o rde
For de
For d e
Ford e
N e lso n
N e l s on
Nel son
M a r ti n ( 68)
J M ar tin
J Martin (76)
J M a r ti n
Thomp son
T h o m ps o n
T h omp s on
Thompson
Onyed i nm a (82)
Upson (63 )
U p s on ( 7 8 )
Upson
M a rqu i s
O nyedin m a ( 87)
Ony e di n ma ( 8 8 )
Onyed i nma
M a rqu is (8 8)
Marquis
Marquis
50
EDITORIAL NewsAtDen is the exclusive home of latest Millwall Football Club news, with the latest interviews, expert opinions, stats, graphics and much more. For more information about NewsAtDen or to speak to us about this magazine, advertising opportunities and more, please contact josh@newsatden.co.uk
Thank you to all the people who have helped produce this magazine: FOUNDER / MANAGING DIRECTOR:
Chris Mullany FOUNDER / MANAGING DIRECTOR:
Kevin Quinn CHIEF SPORTS REPORTER:
Also, we would love to hear any suggestions you have for future editions of our magazine. Please get in touch.
John Kelly
Twitter: @newsatden
DESIGNER:
SPORTS REPORTER:
Jay Taylor
Josh French
Facebook: /newsatden IMAGES: Millwall FC, Brian Tonks, , Charlie Compitus, The Independent
Online: newsatden.co.uk NEWSATDEN IS PUBLISHED EVERY SATURDAY MATCHDAY MORNING
51
Created by
52