early deals bring early optimism for the lions

It seems Kenny Jackett has learned from one of his major
mistakes last season, signing players way too late in the transfer window,
lions fans were treated to a somewhat panic by on transfer deadline day august
2010 with the signings of Dany N'Guessen, Liam Feeney and loan signing of once
lions loanee Jay Simpson. But it seems Millwall won't have to worry about
deadline day signings just yet. 




Just two weeks after the season ended Jackett made his first
signing, this came in the form of veteran goalie Maik Taylor after his contract
expired at championship rivals Leeds United. With Taylor keeping 6 clean sheets
in the final 10 games of the season, including two penalty saves in two games,
he was always going to be on Jacketts radar. Taylor's arrival also can solve
the problem with the number 1 slot at Millwall with both David Forde and Steve
Mildenhall playing their part. Taylor upstaged them both with strong
performances that will surely will so make him a fans favourite at the den The
goalkeeping position is surely one of the improvements that had to be made and
glad KJ has done it so quickly.




 It also seems like KJ
will be killing two birds with one stone, with the signing of Scott Malone from
AFC Bournemouth. He will join the lions from Bournemouth after only signing for
the cherries from wolves in January, with Josh Mcquoud going back the other way
to his former league 1 club. Malone can play either left back or left wing,
positions that was A major weakness last season. Jackett was so eager to get
the deal done, Malone flew back to gatwick to take his medical, before flying
back to Marbella the same day. Despite the signing Malone, Jackett will
desperately disappointed with Josh Mcquoid, signed with much potential that was
never fulfilled, spent the second half of the season at fellow championship
team Burnley. With a string of rumours of bust-ups, plus persistent little
niggling injuries it was going to be hard for Mcquoid to establish himself at
the den. Mcquoid will be gone but not long forgotten, because of the rumoured
price tag. 




The quick deals seem to be coming thick and fast for the lions
as Chris Taylor of Oldham has held "initial talks" with the club and
will iiallegedly be signing for the lions in the next week. Taylor has only
played for one club, his boyhood town Oldham Athletic, he played over 300 times
for the Latic's before allowing his contract to expire this summer. Taylor can
play as a left winger but can also play right wing due to his strong right
foot, many of Taylor's goals come from cutting in from the left and scoring
with his right. With winger Hameur Bouazza surely leaving the club the left
wing was a position that had to be desperately improved, Jacket will surely
pleased that he's got his man. It seems Kenny has Learnt the error of his ways
an decided to shop around early, 3 signings before the start of June, anyone
getting a bit excited for the new season already?

a toothless lions attack?

With striker Darius Henderson facing a court case in June, the Lions could face the new season without their leading goal scorer from 2010/2011 season, I will be looking at who would be left to lead the Lions attack.

John Marquis- This is Marquis’s first full season in the first team, and he has found it a struggle to adapt to championship standards, with only one goal scored this season, and that came on the opening day at Reading.

Marquis looks a strong player who likes to put himself around the field, a Neil Harris-esq mould of player if you will, but so far he hasn’t produced, plus a twitter rant after losing to rivals Crystal Palace at The Den won’t help his cause with the fans. Can marquis score goals at this level? Maybe, after a loan or two in the lower leagues but not now, he’s nowhere near the answer.

Josh Mcquoid- The Lions faithful have seen little of Josh since his arrival in January 2010.  An injury kept Mcquoid out when he first arrived but the South Londoners did get too see a glimpse of what he could do, a magnificent strike against Preston which won the clubs goal of the season award.

Since then certain rumours of a fall out with Kenny Jackett came out in the open. He only played 11 games before going on loan to Burnley where he impressed at Turf Moor the playing majority of his games on left wing. He played 17 games scoring just one goal before returning to The Den. He could be the new goal scorer at The Den but KJ may have him in plans for left midfield.

Shaun Batt- Batt will just be happy to be playing football again after suffering a horrific injury in pre season of 2010, missing the whole of 10/11 campaign.

He started to make his comeback in January 2012, including two games against his old club Dagenham & Redbridge. He was sent to League Two promotion winners Crawley Town where he played only six games. He was then brought back to The Den for a string of sub appearances, including the final game against Blackpool. With an awkward body to play against and his blistering pace, BATTman, a unknown quantity, could be the answer Jackett is looking for.

Last but nowhere least is Andy Keogh – Keogh was brought in on transfer deadline day from now relegated Wolves and his first few lions games were played on the wing but Kenny Jackett soon pushed him to a striker. With 10 goals in 19 games since January he’s gone from being in the reserves at Wolves, to being a top, on-form championship striker and on the fringes of Ireland’s Euro 2012 squad,  another gem found by KJ.

By looking at this the only real quality striker The Lions have is Andy Keogh, so surely another striker to accompany Keogh leading the strike force should be priority for this summer.

whats next?

Well what a season it has been, despite being close to the drop zone for the majority of the season, surely finishing above palace counts as a successful season right?

This was always going to be a transition season with the loss of Steve Morison to the high flying canaries on Norwich City, but after surviving it the lions should be looking to push up the table, and hopefully KJ has seen where improvement is needed.

phantom of the opera strikes again.

A position that is in dire need of help is left back. Because the left backs this season have been average to say the least, we need someone who is more focused about playing then designing (Jordan Stewart) whereas LB Tony Craig is a powerhouse of commitment at LB but his abilities let him down. And Scott Barron? Less said about Jedward the better.. What KJ should be looking for is a strong LB who's not afraid to bomb forward, as with the partnership of smith and Henry on the right. If Stevenage do not go up I would be aiming for Scott laird, a player who has got better and better throughout the divisions, and anyone who saw his goal against Sheffield united will show he certainly has one eye on the goal. Despite the left back position I think we have a defense more then capable of competing.

Another position that needs improving is left midfield. The lions have had really only one option their, the enigma that is Hameur Bouazza. He said he could Et into the team with his eyes closed, well for the majority of the season he has surely been playing like it, and upset the Den's faithful at you're peril, the sooner he's gone the better. A player I would like to see come in is Gary Mcsheffery, a proven quality at this level, plus he could be available on the cheap due to Coventry's deepening financial worry. Whatever player comes in will have to do what Bouazza didn't, actually put in effort, or you'll be out very, very, quickly.

The lions may have a sturdy defense, but having an unconfident goalkeeper shakes the solid foundations of a good team. This is what happens with David Forde. A line of horrible mistakes cost his place in the team, KJ called on the unlikely hero of 40-year-old maik Taylor from Leeds. Many lion’s fans thought he would be little more then a sub warming the bench, but impressive display after impressive display started to make him a fans favorite. Plus saving 2 penalties in 2 games to earn 6 points will always help. With him being released from Leeds united theirs 3 words for you KJ, sign.him.up.

With loanees moving on and certain circumstances affecting players (Henderson) one or two more strikers will need to be added. One player that has to come back is Harry Kane. He came here as a boy and left as a man, a strong, confident footballer with an eye for goal, with 9 goals in a half season, he should be back to further his development surely? One striker who I'd love to see at the den is Luke freeman from Stevenage. Despite only moving to Stevenage in January from arsenal, he has coped better then expected, a young player who is only going to get better, and hopefully another KJ diamond in the rough into a gem.

With hopefully players coming in, some of the deadwood that'll be left in the squad. Some have left already with Ryan Allsop and Jordan Stewart being told to leave, with less then 10 games between them this was not a surprise.

One player that can leave is Darren ward, despite being a firm part of the Millwall squad of the years, he is now 33 and lost the pace he had, would be a vital part of the team in the lower leagues but not in the championship, another player to leave should be Chris Hackett, been on loan most of the season and is simply not good enough. The final part of the leaving part should be John Marquis, but this one should be a loan, despite a strong start of the season he's performance dwindled and dwindled, plus a twitter rant after defeat to Crystal Palace didn't exactly endear himself. But I believe that he has the potential to be a good player, a club such as Leyton Orient or Brentford would be a good fit.

 

That's what I think should be done in the summer to push the lions up the table, good luck KJ it's all down too you.

5 top signings

5- maik Taylor

With the lions struggling for results and main goalie David Forde suffering from a crisis of confidence. Kenny jackett sought for a strong replacement and quick. Not many, if any fans thought this would come in the frame of 40-year-old maik Taylor from Leeds united. To say he was thrown in the deep end would be a understatement as he's debut was against table toppers Southampton at the den, two penalty's in the last 5 minutes gave the lions a undeserved defeat, but things would get better for Taylor. With each game played Taylor got better and better, the northern Irish international kept 6 clean sheets in the 10 games played for the lions. Taylor proved with age came experience, he was a calming influence of the defense, having a goalkeeper they could trust lead the foundations for the lion’s survival. Somehow Taylor got even better with two penalty saves in two games, first from Gary Mcsheffery at Coventry city then from Grant leadbitter at Ipswich. He saw he great performances recognized by being nominated for player of the month award in April. With the season over and Taylor's contract up at Leeds, three words KJ. Sign.him.up.

4-Shane Lowry

Shane Lowry was brought in from Aston villa on loan during a desperate time for the lions trying to sure up their defense. Centre half Shane joined The Lions on loan in November along with fellow Aston Villa youngster Nathan Baker. Lowry made a big impression then fellow loaned baker with his strong, committed performances, just what a lions Centre back needs in his game. Lowry's performances got better in each game, and I'm sure lions fans will not forget the great tackle on Dave Kitson at the den on boxing day which saw him earn a standing ovation from the dockers stand. Kenny jackett liked Lowry's performances so much he was signed permanently on a two year deal in January, Lowry went on to play 23 games this season for the lions and scored his first goal in a one nil at Coventry in April.

3 Harry Kane

Harry Kane came into the lion’s den on January 1st a boy; he left at the end of the season as a man. On 1 January 2012, Kane and Tottenham teammate Ryan Mason joined on loan until the end of the season. Kane made his debut in the one nil defeat at Bristol city leaving the lions only two points clear of the drop zone. The spurs loanee scored his first goal for the lions against Dagenham and redbridge in the third round replay, which saw him combine well with strike-partner darius Henderson, but how good this partnership was it was nothing to compare with his partnership with Andy Keogh. The striker pair scored 17 goals between them with 5 games in which they both scored. Kane scored 9 goals in 27 games and ended his loan at the den in style with a great strike to earn a draw to promotion hunting Blackpool. If the lions could get him again next season in anyway, watch out championship defenders, he's coming for you.

2- darius Henderson

Henderson was brought to the den in the summer in order to fill a large welsh hole left by Steve Morison who left for Norwich City. Few lion’s fans thought he would be the answer due to his before of injury, would he able to stay fit for the majority of the campaign? He got his season off to the best start by scoring 2 in the first 2 league games, including a magnificent back heel against Forest. There was an underlining factor the start of the season. When Henderson doesn't score, neither did Millwall. But he endeared to himself to the lions fans by scoring a hat trick against the moneybags of Leicester city. Henderson went on to score 3 hat-tricks this season with one against Dagenham and redbridge, then 4 days later at Barnsley, which saw him adopt the name "hulk hendo" well just look at him, you wouldn't wanna mess with him, might break your jaw or something.... Henderson ended the season as 'wall's top scorer with 19 goals, a target he will hopefully reach again next season.

1-Andy Keogh

 Andy by name, certainly Andy by nature. And Keogh signed for the lions on transfer deadline day from Wolverhampton wanderers. He was KJ's number one striker to fire the lions to survive up the table. He's debut came at Upton Park in the undeserved defeat against West Ham, nothing like a baptism of fire to get you started! Keogh opened his Millwall account with a cool finish at Brighton then scored his second at turf moor to earn the lions a 3-1 wins over Burnley. The Burnley goal started a run of 3 in 3 games for Keogh including his first at the den in a 2-1 defeat by champions Reading. Despite not scoring every game the Irishmen was putting in good, strong performances for the lions. The introduction of the partnership of Kane and Keogh went on leaps and bounds till the end of the season. Keogh ended the season with 4 goals in the final 4 games, including a confident penalty against Leicester, Robin Van-Persie? Eat your heart out. The Irishman scored 10 in 19 games for the lions, which will hopefully secure him a part of the EIRE euro 2012 squad.

Millwall 2-0 Leicester City

Millwall secured their championship status with a dominating 2-1 win over Leicester, pretty much ending their chances of earning a play-off place. The lions have gone now unbeaten in four games, winning three in the process. Goals either side of half time from strike pair Andy Keogh and Harry Kane secured the win for the lions.

Leicester the visitors came out the strongest in the opening minutes with Ben Marshall firing tame shots as goal. Whereas attacking right back Lee Peltier caused problems with his crosses, but the Millwall defence dealt with it easily. Millwall have also managed to keep 3 straight clean sheets. After coping from early pressure it was Millwall who opened the scoring on 22 minutes. A Paul Robinson flick down from a James Henry corner fell to Kane who smashed it past Kasper Schmeichel and bags his third goal in three games during Kane's impressive loan spell from Spurs. Leicester almost found an equaliser minutes later. The impressive Marshall’s pass was helped on by Wes Morgan which Fell to once internationally capped David Nugent, but saw his shot somehow and impressively saved by Taylor.

The Lions almost caught Leicester on the counter attack as Shane Lowry’s long clearance up field fell to loanee Kane. He was through on goal to shoot, but Sol Bamba’s perfectly-timed tackle was enough to push the ball out for a corner. The game was a high intensity one with the 3 points vital for both teams but different reasons, Leicester still having the outside chance of a play-off place, whereas 3 points for the lions would mathematically save them from the drop zone and secure their championship status for a year.

The second half began with both teams calmed down and the play was of a lower intensity, but it was soon to liven up with a penalty awarded to Millwall. Good play from Irishman Andy Keogh to pull away from the onrushing defender Sol Bamba, Keogh slotted the ball towards Kane as he was brought down by Paul Koncheskey; the ref had no choice but to point to the spot. It was Keogh who took the penalty. The Irishman stepped up and produced a cheeky finish, chipping the ball into the middle of the goal to bag his seventh goal for the club since joining in January.

Leicester tried to find some way back into the game by introducing   striker Steve Howard and midfielders Danny Drinkwater and Lloyd Dyer into the game. Despite Leicester going all-out attack it was Millwall with the best chance to score, it fell to Josh Wright who hit a magnificent volley from 30 yards out, only for it to be tipped over brilliant by Schmeichel. Somehow the referee gave a goal-kick to the foxes.

The visitors ultra-attacking approach paid off 10 minutes of time, courtesy of substitute Drinkwater, a drilled shot from a Nugent lay-off to half Millwall’s lead, with 5 minutes to add on Millwall threw bodies at the ball too try and block the full out Leicester attack., however they just couldn’t break them down. The final score ended 2-1 in favour of the lions and to make sure Kenny Jacket’s men secured championship football for the 2012/13 season. The Lions move on to Coventry City away at the Ricoh in a game in which the Sky blues could be relegated if they lose too Millwall and Bristol City win at home to West Ham

Millwall 2-0 Hull City

Goals from strike pair Harry Kane and Andy Keogh secured millwall a vital 2 nil win over Hull City, which meant the lions recorded their 1,000th home league win, on the day that lions legend Barry Kitchener live was celebrated and remembered. ‘Kitch’ passed away last Friday after a very short battle with cancer, kitch still holds the record for most appearances for millwall with other 600 games played.  players from the past were present at the Den to celebrate kitch's life as floral tributes were laid and both teams took part in a minute’s applause The visitors looks to get a stronghold in the opening few minutes through Richard Garcia. He cut inside the box and released a shot for it only to be saved by a Maik Taylor block. As the first half went on the lions started to assert their dominance, as they took the lead on 25 minutes as James Henry’s inswinging corner from the left was headed home at the far post by Harry Kane to put the home side a goal up. Henry keeping up his great record against Hull with 5 assists in 3 games against the Tigers. Hull could simply not handle Kane and the loanee also nearly had a second shortly after, but his effort was brilliantly saved by the hull goalie. Another great chance to Lions came on 33 minutes as Tony Craig’s delivery was flicked on by Andy Keogh, but the outstretched Kane could only just miss the ball. The lions continued to control the game but could not find a killer 2nd goal. Another chance came from Josh Wright, as he sent a curling shot wide from close range after Kane found his initial effort blocked by the Hull defence. Hull brought on Matty Fryatt in the second half to try and find an equaliser, And despite Hull having more of the play in the second half, the home side were more then capable of handling the attack then taking a fast counter attack to the hull defence. clever play from Keogh saw him advance into the area, cut inside and was tripped in the box. Referee Darren Deadman had no choice but to give a penalty and the lions had the chance to kill the game off. It was Keogh who cooly slotted away to secure the win and leave Hull with no points out the last available 15  The  victory saw the lions climb one place to 19th as they now sit five points above the drop zone. The Lions play relegation rivals Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Tuesday night which is seen as a vital game for both teams.

Millwall 1-2 reading. Match report

Goals either side of the half from Hal Robson-Kanu and sub Adam Le-Fondre continued the royals good run in their hunt for promotion and condemned Millwall too a 2-1 defeat, meaning the lions are winless in the league at home in 2012 as they try to fight off relegation to league 1.  Both teams canceled each other out for the first 15 minutes of the game with shots from Spurs loanee Harry Kane, and former Royals academy graduate and first teamer James Henry both dragging shots wide of Adam Federici's goal. The first meaningful chance lead to the first goal of the day on 19 mins when winger Hameur Bouazza's header was flicked on by Kane too frontman Andy Keogh who cooly slotted away to score his 3rd goal of the season for the lions and too put Millwall one nil up. Millwall almost extended their lead when eccentric winger Bouazza cross/shot bounced off the crossbar as Kane failed to connect with the follow up. From scoring  Millwall controlled the possession and Reading were restricted to long range efforts such as from Mikele leighterwood which sailed harmlessly over. The first realistic chance for the Royals fell too set piece specialist Ian Harte after captain Paul Robinson gave away a cheap foul on the edge of the box, Harte hit it just over the bar as Reading tried to equalise before the end of 45 mins, and in stoppage Tom that's exactly what they got. Specialist Harte drifted in a corner which was punched acrobatically by keeper David Forde, but unfortunately the ball fell to Hal Robson-Kanu, once a Millwall target, volleyed furiously into the top  corner past a helpless forde to earn an somewhat undeserved equaliser.  The second half began and emulated the first, both teams having a fair share of possession and struggling to calve out chances. If Reading had a set piece specialist in Harte then Millwall had their very own, Alegerian temperamental winger Hameur Bouazza, he had a free kick from 30 yards out that span over the bar. As the game went on chances were starting to settle, but only for the Millwall side as Josh Wright, who scored absolute wonder strike at Burnley the week before, took a long range effort that went just wide. Then finally a golden chance for the lions as James Henry whipped in a ball for Harry Kane, only for Kane to miss the ball completely unmarked. With just under 20 minutes left to go the millwall defence was caught asleep with a through ball, it was aimed for substitute Adam Le-Fondre who was yards offside,but he left the ball for Jason Roberts to sprint onto and run into the millwall box, Roberts attack dragged Forde out of his goal meaning he could slot the ball back to Le-Fondre to pass the ball into an empty net, to add insult to Injury Le-Fondre also look offside when Roberts passed. From this point on Reading invited on the Millwall attacking charge, but they could not provide the creative spark in the closing minutes. A lay off from sub Dany N'guessen too Andy Keogh lead to a strike that went just wide, N'guessen went from provider to attacker as he had a wild shot from the edge of the box, which lead too more danger for the supporters watching in the west lower stand then too Federici's goal. The final chance to salvage a point for the lions fell to skipper Paul Robinson, who could only head straight to the keepers hands. This game summed up the lions performance in the season, a dominating performance destroyed by simple mistakes. The defeat left Millwall in 19th in the Npower Championship 6 points clear of the dreaded drop zone but still in one of the pole positions to survive in the division.