A different championship team of the year...

The team of the year was voted last week... with this being the results

                                       Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester City)

Kieran Trippier (Burnley) Wes Morgan (Leicester City), Mark Hudson (Cardiff City), Wayne Bridge (Brighton)

Wilfried Zaha (Palace), Thomas Ince (Blackpool), Peter Whittingham (Cardiff City), Yannick Bolasie (Palace);
                                    
                                Glenn Murray  (Palace) & Matej Vydra (Watford)

There are some players who rightly deserve to be in this team, Mark Hudson was a rock at the back as Cardiff became champions of the Championship. Thomas Ince basically kept Blackpool from serious trouble with his goals and assists. 

But some players should not be in this team...

For one, why is there such a hype about Wilf Zaha at Palace, he managed to be priced at 15 million by Manchester United, and what has he done? 6 goals and 8 assists this season. And he somehow managed to blag a England cap. He's good, but not that good, should be nowhere near the team of the year. 

For me one of the stand out players on the right wing is Almen Abdi at Watford, a great skilful player who chips in with goals and assists. He may be one of many of the Udinese Reserves loaned to Watford, but he's adapted to the english game brilliantly. 

Another position up for discussion is the right back position, it was decided that Kieran Trippier of Burnley would get the spot. To be honest,  i'd give it to Chris Solly of Charlton. He thrived in League one and is now doing it in the championship. Great footwork, good tackle, and despite his height, manages to win headers off 6 foot plus attackers, and at only 22. Certainly a future premier league player. 

I'd also swap one mountain at centre back for another. For me Danny Shittu at Millwall deserves a place. He joined the club when no one else wanted him. He became captain and was instrumental in the Lions 13 game unbeaten run. A strong character, true leader, actually got a bit of pace, and a absolute beast in the air. Morgan has been good, but Shittu just shades it.

I'd also have 2 changes in midfield, i would put Johnnie Jackson of Charlton Athletic, the midfielder has been instrumental in the Addicks rise up the table as they have a first comfortable season back in the 2nd division. He is the perfect box to box midfielder, can be a great defensive player, a eye for a goal and assist, plus a set piece specialist. 

And on the left wing i would have George Boyd of Hull City. He started the season at Peterborough and was the main player in the slow desperate fight for survival, he left for Hull City, and with Hull going for promotion, and with 4 goals in 11 games, he could soon well become a premier league player.

And finally, its the strike-force, and surprisingly i won't put Glen Murrary in this team, yes he has scored 29 goals this season, but i could score with the amount of penalties and tap ins he had. So he's not in. 

The one player that has to be in the team is Jordan Rhodes of Blackburn, with a 8 million pricetag and never had played in the championship before, it was somewhat a educated risk whether he would perform. But unsurprisingly the top scorer for Rovers with 27 league goals, and without these goals, they would have been relegated a long time ago, he is the one consistent player in the mad-house that is Blackburn.

The other player i'm going for is Troy Deeney of Watford. He missed some of the first half of the season due to being in prison. But he has Certainly made up for it. 19 goals so far as the Hornets go into a final day battle with Watford for the 2nd promotion spot, with his eye for goal and pace to burn, he'll certainly be a player to watch out for, whether it's in the play-offs, or in the premier league next year.

So this is my team of the season...

                                         Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester City)

Chris Solly (Charlton Athletic) Danny Shittu (Millwall) Mark Hudson (Cardiff City) Wayne Bridge (Brighton)

Almen Abdi (Watford) Thomas Ince (Blackpool) Johnnie Jackson (Charlton Athletic) George Boyd (Hull City)

                                Jordan Rhodes (Blackburn Rovers) Troy Deeney (Watford)

Jackett, get your coat? Fans disgusted as Lions fear drop.

How, how has it come to this.

We were safe in December, we were around the play off positions, now with one game to go we are ONE POINT above the dropzone. Disastrous.

On Saturday we could've been smashed by forest and still have stayed up, if Peterborugh, Barnsley and Wolvea lost we would be fine. In the normal kick offs Wolvea now find themselves all but down after defeat, but Barnsley managed to win.

Then it was us...
How do I describe our game against Forest, no hope, no desire, no chance.

It's jut so bad it's unbelieveable. Nothing going forward, no shot on target from open play.

Playing 4-5-1 at home is suicide, why worry about the other team, make them worry about you. It's so depressing to watch. We must be the only team who play 4-5-1 but have a midfield who completely by-pass play.

Completely baffling decisions leave fans speechless. Subbing Shaun Batt, who was our best player, starting Saville and Tyson, who have one start between them. And 4-5-1... It's a disgrace to see at home, away from home, fair enough. But not at home.

Feel sorry for some of the players today but we just ain't good enough. We looked a poor league 1 side today.

And the blame of this should rest absolutely rest at Jackett's door. His signings to "regenerate" our strikeforce were abysmal.

The strikers we signed have scored a massive one league goal between them.

Since Henderson left we have only scored 11 goals in 17 games.

Watching P'Boro win against Sheffield Wednesday, posh performance was excatly the type of performance I'd want to see.

A team performance giving their all, leaving the pitch knowing they have done their best. No the half arsed approach I've seen at the den.

Franky, a team that has lost 50% of home games deserves to go down, for a team to stay up, fortress den? Don't make me laugh,

If we go down, KJ goes. Simple.

If we stay up then we'll see... But I have a feeling the whole "taken them as far as I can" line may come out. Even though this the first time in his time at the den that KJ has come under real pressure from fans.

KJ's practically put the nail in his own coffin, blaming the fans for the exclusion of Rob Hulse after fans reaction to his substation on Tuesday night. It was deserved.

He gets paid 9K to not give a toss and swan about a pitch, you cannot blame fans for your poor
decisions.

Whatever happens over the next 7 days... Big changes will be made. Whether it will be players AND management is yet to be seen..

King Kenny? Jackett unhappy with fans as Hulse leaves in disgrace

Finally, we got want we wanted.

Before 'Walls game against Forest, its been confirmed that Rob Hulse has had his loan spell cut short and has been sent back to QPR. Fans rejoice...

After poor performances it came to a head on Tuesday night when he was booed off as a sub and went straight down the tunnel.

Down Millwall, all we want is passion and give your all, you may not be the best player, but give your all and your loved, look at Jimmy Abdou for example.

It was just the way he played, you could tell that Hulse did not want to be at the club, he was just happy to pick up his 9K a week from us. No effort whatsoever, a target man who wouldn't jump or head the ball.

It's disgraceful that he managed to get a wembley appearance out of us...

Goodbye and good riddance to Mr Hulse, I'm sure he ran faster out of the club then he ever did on the pitch.

This only just highlights Jackett's failings this season. We could do nothing about Wood, he was always using us to get a better deal.

But to get rid of Henderson, yes he had his off-field problems. But look at our strike-force now...

Keogh,Marquis,Batt,Easter and Tyson.

They have 3 league goals in 2013.

KJ has majorly screwed up last january, we did have targets such as Steve Morison (No chance). But we ended up with over 30 no-goal scorers.

And the best thing out of all of the Hulse disaster, KJ is now apparently very unhappy with fans, after all, Tuesday was the breaking point.

I'd love to know how KJ can blame fans? He can't say that Hulse has been playing well. Fans are allowed to give their opinion. If players like Hulse can't take it, then tough.

KJ was "very unhappy". Now he knows how fans feel.

Dire home losses seem to come most weeks. With players just rolling over with no heart. Baffling tactics (changing from 4-4-2 to 4-5-1 at home). And seemingly pointless signings.

Tyson,Hulse,Saville, St.Ledger, Malone (but still young) and Woolford (Cup run disrupted starting place) .

But to very unhappy with fans for expressing a opinion, a very popular opinion... Maybe it's KJ putting a nail in his own coffin for a exit in the summer.

KJ has been untouchable to fans at times, but slowly but surely fans are realising the mistakes he is making. This seems to be the first time their has been true tension between fans and manager.

Do us all a favour KJ. Your still a decent manager, but don't blame fans for your bad choices. 

Sordell claims overshadows fine Lions win

A lot can happen in a week in football can’t it?

Thanks to Darius Henderson’s last gasp winner against Bolton, the Lions have gone from winless in five to unbeaten in three, and this win was fully deserved.

The Lions were the liveliest in the early exchanges, and had a goal disallowed when man-mountain Danny Shittu was judged to have fouled Adam Bogdan, from replays it seemed unjust. The 20th minute saw the Lions open the scoring, and finally get a bit of luck, with Daruis Henderson’s shot taking a couple of deflections before rolling into the net.

And the Lions should have doubled their lead soon after as Chris Wood headed just wide from a James Henry cross, the ex-Reading winger was having a stormer as the Lions went in at half time with the lead.

Early in the second half saw Wood again with a glorious chance to make it 2-0 from a Henry cross, but Bogdan somehow managed to save it and typically just minutes later ‘Wall rued missing that chance when Chris Eagles rolled a free kick smartly under the wall to make it 1-1. Watch out for Eagles name in this.

Just after the hour mark Alan Dunne fouled Eagles in the area, but lets just say he certainly made the most of it. After diving in the area to not much avail minutes before, you can imagine the abuse he got walking up to take the spot kick.. So imagine the delight when he skied it over from 12 yards.

The Lions kicked on for the winner with Bogdan having to be at full stretch to keep out a Henderson free kick. But Hendo would have the last laugh with a drilled finish to win the game late on, six goals in nine now for Hendo, and this turned out to be the last game Bolton had under Owen Coyle as he was sacked on Tuesday morning.

This may have pushed ‘Wall out of the drop zone but this win will be marred by Marvin Sordell’s allegations that he was racially abused along  with a few other team mates.

He took to twitter to express his thoughts, also saying that he has reported it. But then Millwall made a statement saying that there was nothing reported and the claims were “nonsense”. Even the metropolitan police came out and said that “no complaints had been made before, during or after the game” so someone is lying here….

How bad a club image Millwall has, Sordell’s claims found their way to Sky Sports breaking news, but did they report that the police or Millwall stated that Sordell didn’t report it? No. Got me thinking, if Bolton had won the game, would Sordell have come out with the allegations in this sort of way? I’m not so sure….

Right, now that the vital win is on the board, roll on Palace away in two weeks time, any other ‘Wall fans counting down the days for the first derby of the season?

COYL

Hulk Hendo Strikes As 'Wall Snatch Late Point

Kenny. You may have not swallowed your pride on everything, but at least you have made a start. Saturdays dramatic draw away at Burnley saw the Lions return to a 4-4-2 formation despite the suspension of our only out and out left winger Chris Taylor, this saw Scott Malone fill in on the wing.

I’m sure ‘Wall fans would’ve happily took a point to stop the run of defeats, but we could have had so much more.

The Lions made the best possible start after three minutes with good hold up play from Andy Keogh saw Liam Trotter fire home for his 3rd league goal, then ran to the corner to add another tribute to his dancing catalogue, this time it was “gangnam style”.

Yes Trotts we know you can score, but its like watching Carlton Banks. But after that slowly but surely Burnley made chances through Junior Stanislas hitting the woodwork and Chris McCann going close. The Clarets equalised on 16 minutes after poor positioning from David Forde allowed Ben Mee to head home from a Stanislas corner.

Despite this, the Lions pushed on with James Henry hitting the woodwork, and then Scott Malone hit a wonder-shot which was somehow pushed onto the bar by Clarets goalie Lee Grant. Burnley finished the half ahead when Charlie Austin’s long range header looped over Forde just before half time.

Poor positioning again by Forde will leave Lions fans asking why Maik Taylor was dropped. The second half gave the major match talking point. Stanislas saw his thumping drive ruled out for offside on 64 minutes after referee Craig Pawson overruled his linesman’s initial decision to give the goal because of Martin Paterson being offside in the build up play.

Millwall continued to go forward with Chris Wood and James Henry coming close.  It was getting so desperate for a goal that Danny Shittu even saw a 25 yarder tipped over by Grant. Darius “HULK” Henderson was brought on with 10 minutes remaining and dramatically got an equaliser in injury time after chesting down a Trotter pass, firing home from four yards. He almost grabbed a unbelievable winner, but he saw his header hit the bar, bounce on the line and then cleared. I’m sure Jackett would have taken a point from the game.

But this game yet again highlights a weakness, the defence.

The Lions have conceded the joint most goals in the Championship, 17. Not being able to keep the same back four game after game will be the main factor in this. Plus the poor 4-3-3 formation didn’t help relinquish the pressure on the defence.

One thing I’m sure Lions fans won’t be happy about is the inclusion of David Forde back in the starting XI. We saw time after time last season Forde’s mistakes costing the team valuable points in a relegation battle, whereas Maik Taylor seemed to calm down the defence, and didn’t make stupid errors a-la Forde. Jackett will have to see sooner or later Forde is not of Championship standard anymore.

One of the bright-lights to come out the game is Liam Trotter. Many fans (including me) were saying he should have been dropped, how ironic that he scores and sets up one in the next game! Maybe we will now see a return to form for Trotts now that he is playing just in the centre, not pushing right.

Slowly,slowly moving in the right direction.

COYL.

King Kenny? poor decisions are starting to cost Millwall

Six games have now come and gone in the Championship, and if the early season performances are anything to go by this will be another long season for Millwall.

After six games the Lions sit 21st, just above Charlton Athletic, on 6 points.

We have also suffered four defeats, and in most of them the Lions have played well and controlled some of the game, but it does show the fine lines between success and defeat in this tough division. But problems are starting to show within the Lions team, one is the formation.

The Lions have mostly played 4-3-3 with central midfielders Liam Trotter, Josh Wright and Jimmy Abdou filling the midfield three, with James Henry one of the strikers role. Despite the three in attack we do not have a lot going forward, the centre midfielders sit back, plus no left winger playing means a lack of width.

Playing three in the middle of the park is simply not working and surely has to be changed. Despite his pre-season fine form, Chris Taylor has not been started or played at all this season, surely he deserves a chance?

Liam Trotter won’t be dropped due to his “ability”, Josh Wright won’t due to his passing and movement and Abdou won’t due to his defensive play, it almost seems like Kenny Jackett is scared to drop Liam Trotter, the best form of last season after all, was when Wright and Abdou were the centre midfield pairing.

Another problem that is evident is the amount of goals conceded by a leaky defence. The Lions have averaged letting in more than two goals a game so far. Fans will be hoping this is just because of the injuries to Paul Robinson and Jack Smith but I’m not sure. Ex Brentford Karleigh Osborne was meant to be challenging for the centre back positions but after six games he simply doesn’t look good enough, yet. He doesn’t look the part at Championship level, I’d much rather be playing Danny Shittu for his experience.

Players such as Osborne haven’t adapted as yet, but Scott Malone has risen to the challenge, not the best defender but a strong attacking player, the type of player KJ wants for his “Passing football revolution”.

For the next game against Brighton, one of the best squads in the division, there has to be some changes. I would drop Osborne for Shittu. Osborne doesn’t look ready and Shittu is a experienced player at this level, I believe this will calm down the defence. Plus the 4-3-3 has to go, we seem exposed on the left wing, so go 4-4-2 with Taylor on the left and drop Liam Trotter, but in all honesty I can’t see that happening. Plus I would also like to see Chris Wood start with Andy Keogh.

My team for vs Brighton

Taylor

Dunne Shittu Lowry Malone

Henry Wright Abdou Taylor

Keogh Wood

Thoughts?

Roll on Saturday. Keep the faith. COYL

Formation change key to Lions first win of the Season.

I have just seen Millwall come from behind at London Road to beat Peterbrough 2-1. A performance that couldn't be anymore different from the opening game of the season. 

The lions 2-1 defeat at the hands of Blackpool was what I was expecting, But not the performance. The first half saw the majority of the chances fall the lions way,But yet again one chance one goal for Blackpool. They were slow going forward. Whereas Blackpool kept the ball for fun,The defence was solid and having one of the finest youngsters in the league with Thomas Ince. Plus KJ's tendency to play players out of positions didn't help with defenders Scott Malone and Shane Lowry playing unnatural positions, leaving the lions exposed down the left wing. 

Whereas the game against the Posh couldn't be more different. Yes the lions did go one nil down, Thanks to a good goal from George Boyd. But that was the only time we was put under pressure in the first half. With the lions missing chance after chance it looked like it would the Same as usual, But a volley from Scott Malone was just deserved. 

The second half was basically a attacking onslaught from the lions. With good play from Keogh led to a great finish from Darius Henderson. Some lions fans saying we should get rid, No chance. If he plays like he did last night, we'll see another 20 goals, Plus his partnership Keogh took a turn in the right direction at P'boro  

One of the highlights of the night was the performance of Scott Malone, Due to Keogh pushing in to support Henderson, Malone was basically covering 2 positions for 90 mins, which he done with ease, Plus what a finish for his goal, Kenny Jackett may have just found another gem of a player. 

The game at London Road also saw a change in formation. From a rigid 4-4-2 against Blackpool to a more expansive 4-3-3 which would move go 4-5-1 in defending. This also saw a change in play, Their was a change in play aswell. No long ball was used instead it was fast passing football, KJ footballing "revolution" in style of  play may be working. 

From the two games we got exactly what I'm expecting. A defeat to Blackpool and coming away with 3 points at p'boro. Plus the lions record of only 3 away defeats in 2012 is always positive. 

Next up is Sheffield Wednesday, A strong attacking team on a high after promotion and have carried on their form after last seasons success. And I would happily take a draw from this game. 

Two games in and place are bottom and the Lions are mid-table, I'm sure we would all take that at the end of the season ! 

COYL