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 

Same old reasons&excuses as Ince strikes to sink Lions

The new domestic season is now here, Majority of 'Wall fans went into todays game with somewhat optimism. Hope evaporated quickly today didn't it? 

An average performance against Blackpool had downed the mood somewhat for Lions fans as Millwall lost 2-0 thanks to two goals from Thomas Ince. 

The first half was relatively okay for the lions and the two best chances fell to them, First with a Danny Shittu header being cleared off the line for a corner and then good play from Liam Trotter saw Andy Keogh go through, Only to see his half volley saved by Matt Gilks. Plus Josh Wright hit one of his trademark volleys that went just wide. 

It then became the same old story for the lions as Blackpool's first meaningful attack came to fruition as Thomas Ince cut back and ram into the area and fired across Maik Taylor to make it one nil. 

The 2nd half brought a change as Shittu came off for Dunne, but to be honest Shittu was flagging after around 20 minutes, And to make it worse Jack Smith went off injured, Which saw Malone pushes back to Left back. Let's be honest Malone was useless at left wing, And for Chris Taylor being left out for "Tactical reasons" is stupid, you've signed him KJ so play him. 

The 2nd half was basically Millwall getting forward,Blackpool clear, and repeat for about 45 minutes. The nail in the coffin for Millwall was confirmed when Thomas Ince beat the offside trap and the attention of Shane Lowry to double his tally for the game, 2 nil and it was game over.

Their we're some positives from the game, Josh Wright had a excellent game, Despite the first half miss Keogh had a good game. But their were to many players having a off day. Malone,Henderson,Henry. And Trotter was so unseen the kit he wore today won't even need a wash.

Despite this, we have just lost to the losing play-off finalists who have one of the finest young talents in the league, they were good at going forward and their defence was sound. I'm still positive about the new season and can defiantly see us returning from London Eoad on Tuesday with 3 points.

COYL

New season, same old problems

New season, same old reasons and excuses. Millwall have just lost on penalties to Crawley in the League Cup, And the main reason, Poor,Poor mistakes and not taken chances, sounds familiar doesn't it lions fans?

The game started off poorly for the lions, And Crawley took advantage by capitalising on poor Millwall defending for Hope Akpan make it one nil. Millwall pushed on then and and gained an equaliser from a Darren Ward header. The game went on and one or two weak points were being shown. New signing Scott Malone looked shaky and nervous at Left back, Plus some players looked like they thought it was another pre season game, no urgency in play.

Second half Millwall started to find there way even more in the match, But Crawley took the lead with Nicky Adams with a good strike from the edge of the box. Shaun Batt was brought on to put some pace in the team, And it seemed to work as the Lions looked more effective going upfront. Batt was everything that Henderson wasn't. Strong,eager, And putting in effort.

Hendo looked like his head was elsewhere, Lazy I'm the game and missed 2 easy one on ones and slotted them wide. Batt was rewarded with a great strike to take it to extra time, His first goal since the injury, And nobody deserves the goal more. Plus the formation didn't help, With Abdou and Trotter, The attacking midfielder as holding midfield, And right winger Liam Feeney in centre midfield, Yes Jackett wants 'Wall to play attacking quick passing football as the same as, For example Swansea, But players in the wrong position don't help, Plus ironically, 5 midfielders used but their was massive gaps for Crawleys' attack to exploit.

One of the positives of the game was the subs, Shaun Batt most likely earned himself man of the match with that performance. And Danny Shittu, Making his second lions debut, Did his chances of a starting place at all. Good solid performance from him. He also managed to help distract Crawley striker Akinde from finishing the game. Akinde broke through the offside trap for a one on one with Taylor, Shittu stormed back and barged into the striker, falling in the process, This put off Akinde enough just enough for him to blaze it over the bar. A very lucky escape. Shittu by name, But the name surely doesn't match the player.

The team played was most likely our strongest bar Andy Keogh, who was on international duty. But I could see changes for Saturdays championship opener against Blackpool. Espically in a change in formation from 4-2-3-1 to the more conventional 4-4-2 with two out and out strikers.

My team for Blackpool.

M Taylor
Smith, Shittu, Lowry, Malone
Batt, Trotter, Abdou, C Taylor
Henderson Keogh

And hopefully a better performance, Quicker play, more pressing and TAKE YOUR CHANCES,

But Oh-well, it's only the cup, not important is it? Roll on Saturday
COYL.

New kit divides opinion between lions fans.

In the last week Macron released images of Millwall‘s upcoming home and away kits for the new season. I know Millwall aren’t exactly known for droves of fans in home kits, but this time it was different..

If you look at the new kit you might think you’ve seen it somewhere before, and you most likely have, this being due to it using the same template as Leeds and West Ham‘s training kit from last season. To be honest I do not see a problem with this, templates are often re-used by designers, just look at West Ham’s away kit. Take that claret and blue and it was the same kit Millwall had last season, this stuff happens, but this hasn’t gone down well.

One fan saying on message board HOF  ”Nice to see us get the vermin’s training kit, disgrace” with other comments such as “Possibly the worst kit we’ve ever had” and “Without doubt the worst kit in my lifetime, looks like the kids designed it!”

I think the club will be battling to see a few of these. That’s the main problem, getting a club’s throwback won’t go down well. From the kit being shown this also brought up the issue “why not let fans vote on what the kit will be?” This was done by Millwall to celebrate their 125th anniversary, letting the fans choose what will be the home colours, a kit was picked (one of the best in recent years) and this was a rousing success with apparently 15,000 being sold. A great feat for such a club. But fans voting can also mean a turn for the worst.

If anyone has seen Crystal Palace‘s badge choices, no matter what is voted in it will be bad after using a voting poll. At least Lions fans picked a good one. Plus not matter what people think about the new kits it’s not as bad as the ghastly Barcelona wannabe kit from Palace.

I don’t mind the kits to be honest, but can see why Lions fans are disappointed, I mean, I’m sure Charlton fans would love a kit the same design as a Millwall kit from last season, but Millwall fans don’t usually buy shirts. In all honesty, the only way ‘Wall fans would buy a new shirt is if it came with a horse or crocodile on it, and came in a wide range of colours, but sadly that isn’t the case but it is defiantly not the worst kit we’ve ever had.

I’m sure the bright green and white striped kit from the 03/04 season may be close to claiming that prize. The kit is not that bad, and if you don’t like it, you don’t have to wear it.

To be honest along as the team is winning, does it really matter what the kit their wearing is? On the bright side, less then 40 days to go till the first competitive game of the season.

Trotter- should he stay or go?

While Millwall are the early starters for pre-season this coming term, there is one rumour that doesn’t seem to be going away, Liam Trotter.

Southampton FC have kept an interest in him for the last two years and if he did leave, the Lions would be losing a player with Premier League potential. On his day Trotter is a world-beater, but when it’s form, its like playing with 10 men.

Rumours circulated during the summer that Southampton tabled a  £2million bid for Trotter, these rumours were quickly denied by the club, and rightly so, no way under any circumstances should Trotter leave for 2 million, he’s worth more then that.

His quality pushing forward, goals from midfield and potential to be a player at the highest level would surely push he price up, plus the stupid prices go for in modern football, especially by the Saints themselves, paying £7million for Jay Rodriguez from Burnley. A good player? Yes, but nowhere that price. I wouldn’t let Trotter go below the price of £3.5 million, but I could see Berylson selling him on for 2.5 million with percentage sell on clause added on.

Despite Trotters’ bad parts of his game, he has the potential to play in the Premier League; even manager Kenny Jackett has stated this. So if he did leave did this summer I believe he could end up at a lower Premier League club such as West Brom or Fulham (who have already scouted him) plus Everton have apparently been on scouting trips for Trotter, but it looks like the most likely club to sign him would be Southampton, a long standing interest and the backing of a billionaire would make them favorites.

If he went who would replace him?

Fans favorite Jimmy Abdou would most likely fill one of the midfield spaces due to his play last season, but he is more of a defensive one, unlike Trotter. One replacement could be Josh Wright, signing a 3 year deal in May, Wright filled in when Trotter was injured and this brought excellent results with 6 wins out of 7.

Despite his great technique from long-range shots he’s still not quite as attacking as Trotter. Ex Charlton midfielder Thierry Raccon could be the answer after being a strong pacey midfielder at the South London club, but the Lions faithful have only seen him play once competitively due to injury, so I don’t think we’ll see him in the squad anytime soon. If the Lions want to buy an attacking midfielder like Trotter they might have to get the cheque book out.

If Trotter did leave, some of the money would most likely be spent on replacing his position in center midfield, and a strong attacking midfielder. A Peter Whititingham-esq type of player, but a strong attacking midfielder would mean a high price tag.

Kenny Jackett doesn’t just sign million pound plus players on a whim, so I could see Josh Wright being molded into a Trotter-esq player and start to push further forward to support the strikers.

If Trotter did leave he would be missed in the squad, his strong play and finishing helped the Lions out at crucial times this season, like his double against relegation rivals Doncaster Rover for example.

But this somewhat ruined by the other side to his play, his inconsistency. Trotter could go from being world class to shocking in just one game, his game blows hot and cold. Plus little niggling injuries are starting to creep into his play, with the midfielder missing the final games of the season with injuries, but when Trotter was missing from the team, the Millwall starting XI played better then when he was in there. Strange.

I still believe that Trotter is a quality player and should stay to fulfill his potential, but sooner or later a Premier League club will come calling.

Would you sell him for under 2.5 million? How can we replace him?

Starting XI dilemma for Jackett as pre season begins

With England crashing out of the Euros, attention for many football fans will turn to upcoming per season fixtures and the start of the new campaign.

In less then 3 weeks Millwall will kick off their pre season with a tour of Ireland which they start on July 16th against Shelbourne, and the team will be slightly different from last season.

The goalkeeping position will most likely be different from last time out, with Kenny Jackett using 3 goalkeepers last season he’ll want to pick his goalie and stick with him. The most likely player for the number 1 jersey is veteran Maik Taylor, the ex Northern Ireland international was instrumental in the Lions end of season form, including making 2 penalty saves in 2 games and would be the and would be the fans choice.

Then there’s the EIRE international David Forde. This was the first season that Forde has come under any real pressure, injuries at the start of the season saw him replaced, plus high cost mistakes saw Jackett react and bring in Taylor and I would go with Taylor due to his end of season form.

Then there’s the defence. With the signing of left back Scott malone, he would most likely candidate for that position. A good signing for the Lions as he is also known as a forward thinking defender, this means Tony Craig will miss out, a fans favourite who gives his all, but will hopefully be kept as back up for centre back position.

The centre back position will stay the same as last season, with captain Paul “Robbo” Robinson and Shane Lowry as the pairing, and will be hoping the carry on their impressive partnership from last season.

The right back position will be a battle between Jack Smith and one club man Alan Dunne. They both played many games at right back last season but I believe Jackett will pick Smith due to his performances, and he does not get caught out of position as much as Dunne.

Compared to last season there will certainly be changes in midfield, on the right wing it’ll be between James Henry and Liam Feeney. Feeney hit form in the middle of the season and was becoming one of the teams top performers, but his performances dropped rapidly, which saw James Henry come back in with great performances.

Plus something we’ve not seen from Henry before, passion in the way he plays, which was spotted quickly in by the Lions faithful. The centre of midfield will be a three way for two spaces, with Jimmy Abdou and Liam Trotter the most likely due to their partnership last season. But Josh Wright will be pushing them for a spot, coming in on a short term contract, his pin-point passing help open up defences, plus THAT goal against Burnley will live long in the memory; it’ll be interesting to see who Jackett picks.

So far their is only one candidate for left wing with new signing Chris Taylor. Taylor is a left winger who cuts in onto his right, which is where the majority of his goals and assists come from, this will be his first season in the Championship and hopefully he’ll be able to raise his game. There is only one left winger due to Hameur Bouazza leaving for Cyprus but the less said about him the better.

The strike force will have changed from the end of last season with Harry Kane returning to Spurs after a impressive loan spell. The one striker who is guaranteed to start is Andy Keogh, 10 goals in 19 games after signing in January will surely see him play, it’s just about finding a strike partner.

The obvious choice is Darius Henderson, but with his upcoming court case, he might not be an option come the end of August. John Marquis may be available, but he is young and not yet a quality striker, a loan to a League 1/2 club for the season would help him massively.

The one player who could be a good striker is Shaun Batt, he has overcome injuries and is now preparing for his first full pre season in two years, he will be a unknown to championship defenders, a strong tall body with pace, but will be get you 15-20 goals? We shall see.

With this in thought, this would be my team for the season at the moment -

Taylor

Smith-Robinson-Lowry-Malone

Henry-Abdou-Trotter-Taylor

Keogh-Batt

Fixtures give Millwall tough start

The fixtures have come out this week for the football league and the Premier League, and the fixture accumulators have not given Millwall the easiest start of the season by any stretch of the imagination.

The Lions will kick off the season with the exact way they finished it, welcoming the tangerines of Blackpool to The Den, not the easiest game to start of with seeing as Blackpool are the losing play off finalists, after losing 2-1 to West Ham.

It’ll be the second season in a row that the Lions will kick off against the season before play off losing finalists.

This match will go one of two ways, Blackpool will be even more determined to get promoted and provide a usual hard game as usual, or the play off hangover will still be over them and Millwall could see a result go their way. Plus rumours of players such as Thomas Ince and Matty Philips leaving the club, it could be a very different team from the play off final, with all this I could see a Lions win.

The first away trip will be to Peterborough United. This will be considered one of the easier away trips in the division, with players such as George Boyd and Paul Taylor being transfer listed due to contract talks breaking down, the Posh will have lost most of their goal threat.

But players are being bought in by manger Darren Ferguson, even though the majority are being signed from League Two and Blue Square Premier. The Lions managed to record a 3-0 win the last time they played at London Road and I’d expect the Lions to get the same kind of result.

The South Londoners then face a tougher away trip next with a trip to play newly promoted Sheffield Wednesday.

The Owls will be still on a high following promotion, and previous seasons show that at least one of the promoted teams carry on the last season form onto the start of the next season, plus Dave Jones has already bought in players such as Joe Matlock and one time England international Chris Kirkland, the Lions will be hoping to carry on last seasons away form but I can see this being a struggle to get points from this game.

It doesn’t get any easier for the Lions as they then welcome play off hopefuls Middlesborough to The Den. ‘Boro narrowly missed out on the play offs last season and Tony Mowbray’s team will be determined to go one better and on. A vital move away from the Riverside has already happened with winger Barry Robson off to the sunny side league of the MLS by signing for Vancouver Whitecaps, but by losing a vital player, they also signed a new one, Grant Leadbitter, who was undoubtedly Ipswitchs’ best player last year. This will be another strong test.

Milwall will then travel to the KC stadium and play Hull City ,who have recently been taken over in management by Steve Bruce.

With Hull missing out on the play offs, the Tigers were underachieving by their own standards, but Bruce will be hoping to change that. With rumours such as Emile Heskey signing for the club, Hull will be trying to bring a higher quality of player to the club, and Bruce may be the man to do that due to previous Premier League experience. A unknown game at the moment for the Lions, Hull’s starting XI could be completely different come August.

The Lions start the season with some tough games, yet again in the Championship which games aren’t? All I can say is bring it on! Only two months to go…..