Millwall has its first promotion to the Premier League in its sights.
They have already secured a place in the championship play-off and an automatic promotion spot remains within their reach.
They will go second with a win or a draw at Leicester on Friday night, live. sky sportsputting pressure back on their promotion rivals, Ipswich, who currently occupy that position on goal difference and with a game in hand over the Lions. The Tractor Boys, however, face a more complicated matchup…on paper.
So how did Millwall (with their lower budget and wage bill) reach this lofty position? We select five factors that drive them up…
Friday, April 24, 7:30 p.m.
Neil knows
Any assessment of Millwall’s progress must begin with the manager. He has had the financial support of chairman James Berylson, while director of football Steve Gallen has led a successful recruitment drive in recent terms. But Neil achieved it all and created a team to be reckoned with.
In the commercial closing of this season, his experience has been key. With three successful play-off campaigns under his belt (in Scotland, League One and Championship), he has been able to manage the mentality of a group of players who are largely unfamiliar with what it takes to take the next step.
“YO Never encourage players to read and listen to what people say. We only focus on what is in front of us. “We don’t get carried away with anything,” he says of keeping the team strong. But his success doesn’t surprise him.
“I understand how important it is for the club, I understand how important it is for the fans, it’s certainly important for me, it’s important for the players. But when you work every day, every minute to get somewhere, don’t sit there like you’ve won the lottery, because it’s not fortune, it’s hard work every day for every person at the club.”
Neil also encouraged his players to enjoy the opportunity they have created. “Accept it, really enjoy it, don’t let it pass you by.”
For a club that has finished in the top half of the Championship six times in the last eight seasons without reaching the play-offs, Neil’s knowledge – technically and tactically on the pitch and in handling the situation – has been crucial for Millwall.
Captain Cooper and strong bonds
Captain Jake Cooper congratulates Josh Coburn
Millwall were last in the Championship play-offs 24 years ago. Speaking to the man who got them there, Mark McGhee, this week, his lasting memory was not just the quality of that 2001/02 team but the spirit they shared and the friendships between them, which still endure to this day.
This current Millwall crop has similar links. “They fight for each other, they care for each other, they support each other,” Neil says.
Captain Jake Cooper sets the tone. The player with the longest service but is still the first to arrive at the training ground each day. Ten years on from his time at Millwall, the towering centre-back is taking his team-mates to new heights.
There have been jokes about his haircut, but he epitomizes the relaxed atmosphere in camp, midfielder Massimo Luongo said this month. There is talent on this roster but, united behind Cooper, they are worth more than the sum of their parts.
A bad defense
Cooper is also exceptionally good at what he does on the field, ranking second in the Championship for aerial duels won and fifth for clearances. He represents a significant attacking threat from set pieces, but also leads a backline that has the best defensive record in the division.
With Caleb Taylor as their regular centre-back partner, and Zak Sturge and Tristan Crama impressing at full-back, Millwall have kept a clean sheet (17) in the league.
Millwall’s standings in the Championship this season
They are well protected by the relentless running of midfielder Casper De Norre and the combination is the foundation on which the promotion challenge has been built.
Record breakers away from home
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Highlights from the Sky Bet Championship match between Stoke City and Millwall
Those defensive numbers are even more impressive away from home: only 23 goals conceded in 22 games.
The lazy cliché is to say “Millwall: a difficult place to go.” But it proved even more difficult for the opposition sides when Millwall came to town.
They top the table when away results are ranked, with a club record 11 wins achieved beyond the Den.
Away games suit their strengths: a firm defence, a set-piece threat and counter-attacking options. Back-to-back games at Ipswich and Middlesbrough either side of the March international break, in which Millwall took four points off their promotion rivals, underlined their ability to perform wherever they are.
Azeez and the attackers who make the difference
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Femi Azeez tells Sky Sports about his incredible form for Millwall this season which has helped boost their promotion.
Of course, all that hard work, team unity and defensive fighting will only get you so far. You also need some magic.
Femi Azeez has been the main conjurer. Named in the EFL Championship Team of the Year (along with Crama), Azeez has nine goals and seven assists so far this season. Whether cutting in from the right to shoot with his favored left foot or going outside to cross, Azeez has been a problem for opposing defenses all season.
More recently, number 10 Camiel Neghli has also arrived at the party, involved in four goals in his last six appearances, belatedly showing the technical talents that caught the eye in the Eredivisie.
The pair offer creativity and skill around tireless forwards Josh Coburn and Mihailo Ivanovic, who have 18 goals between them and many, many miles under their feet.
The verdict: Underrated Neil must help Lions avoid late slide
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Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast previews championship clash
Sky Sports’ Gary Weaver on the Essential EFL podcast:
“Millwall’s away form has been excellent, the best in the championship, 40 points this season. They have won 23 of their 43 games, only Coventry have won more.
“Alex Neil is very underrated. Tactically magnificent. He turned things around against Middlesbrough and took over their form.
“Millwall will try to put together a massive final day at home against Oxford.
“It’s a strange situation and Leicester manager Gary Rowett could deal a blow to his former club. Millwall are going to a club in a mess, but it’s the Championship, you get strange results at this stage of the season.”
