If you’d have told Gary Rowett when he first took over as Millwall boss that come the second half of the season, his Lions team would be sitting 9th in the Sky Bet Championship then I think he’d have bitten your arm off, as would Millwall fans.
However, with obvious belief in his system, it’s no surprise that the results have started flowing with an immense sense of confidence and flair seeping out this Millwall side, as well as some grit and determination to grind out results.
With 45 points on the board now, the feeling around The Den is there’s a real outside chance of the play-offs (they currently sit five points off), which no Lions fan could have predicted at the start of the season. There’s a big test at home to front runners, West Brom, this Sunday which could reveal how serious Millwall are to be pushing for those play-off games.
Rejuvenation
More importantly, Millwall have already matched their points tally from last season showing vast improvement and forward thinking, with Millwall hoping Rowett is the long-term option after starting so well. Despite Neil Harris’ best efforts, the results were just not fluid last season and a rejuvenation was needed at the club and it looks like Gary Rowett has potentially found the right balance.
Harris had got Millwall back into the Championship via the play offs in 2017, however he didn’t seem to be able to carry on form once promoted. Rowett has plenty of experience in the Second Division and he’s managed to implement his relentless attitude on his new club.
With the January transfer window now closing, the first one for Rowett at Millwall, we’ve seen the boss bring in the loan signing of Ryan Woods, who he had signed once before at Stoke City. The use of these loans and the fact that Millwall Football Club’s record signing is only £1m Tom Bradshaw, demonstrates the current team are well overachieving in comparison to those around them who in recent years have spent big on ‘Premier League’ budgets. Hence, attitude and a mentality of working hard on and off the ball, are key factors if you wish to succeed in Rowett’s set up.
Formidable
Big results on the road this season have accounted for the club’s rise up the table, with wins coming at Bristol City, Derby County and Swansea City. Rowett has made Millwall a lot harder to breakdown and a more formidable team away from home where in previous seasons the team would often capitulate under pressure.
The game at The Liberty Stadium back in November was largely dominated by the Swans in terms of possession but the visiting side still had chances. Resilience was key and the set-piece spectacular from Jed Wallace clinched all three points in the 65th minute. The game was the epitome of a Rowett side as the ‘never say die’ attitude proved to be the difference in the end.
Brilliance
Again, the win up at Derby over Christmas relied on a piece of individual brilliance, this time via Jed Wallace with a top corner splitter, followed by resolute defending from the South Londoners to see it out. A trend forming here as Rowett frequently allows Jed Wallace and Tom Bradshaw to roam free and inflict damage on opponents in the spectacular route, with the two coming up with the goods either through way of free kicks or long rangers on many occasions (the other for Wallace being at Cardiff away). With Jayson Molumby then sitting behind these two offering the press, he often breaks up play which then allows Rowett’s main men to get on the ball.
Overall, The Lions have only lost three times since Rowett’s appointment on October 21st (Reading, Barnsley and Leeds United). There is still work to be done at The Den, but there is enjoyment back in the football being played in Bermondsey for players and for fans.
