Is This The Season Millwall Are Finally Promoted To The Premier League?
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Is This The Season Millwall Are Finally Promoted To The Premier League?

Lions Do Dream

Could this be Millwall’s year to finally be promoted to the Premier League? It is too early to tell; the Championship comes with shocking twists and turns, so never rule out a five-game losing streak. However, a thrilling win against Southampton yesterday afternoon saw Millwall rise to 3rd in the table.

Some notable moments from the game include a last-minute winner from Tristan Crama and two worldies from Caleb Taylor and Femi Azeez. It was pure domination from the Lions, and they were rewarded with a last-minute winner. There’s no better feeling than that.

They sit two points behind Middlesbrough, who are in second after a good performance against Derby County. Millwall’s -3 goal difference doesn’t scream confidence, due to heavy defeats earlier in the season. However, their third-place position is all The Lions fans need to believe in a promotion push.

Past Seasons’ Dismay

Millwall have been one of the unluckiest clubs in the Championship in the last decade. In their last eight seasons, they have finished in the top 10 five times. Not once in those finishes have they actually finished in the play-offs. They have become perpetual "maybe" men.

Last season saw a resurgence in Millwall with Alex Neil taking over the reins halfway through the season and guiding The Lions to an impressive 8th place. Whilst they might've missed the play-offs again, they were only two points off. Two points off a dream they have waited so long for.

Millwall have never reached the Premier League before, and many would say they would bring a breath of fresh air to the league. Their "no one likes us" memo is iconic amongst the Championship, and the Premier League giants could do with some roughing-up.

Millwall aren't just a team that instils fear into their opponents and fans; they are a well-run club that deserves a chance in the big leagues. Alex Neil is one of, if not the best, people to give them that chance.

Alex Neil Masterclass

Alex Neil is no stranger to winning, especially in the EFL. With Millwall’s most likely promotion route via the play-offs, Neil could call himself an expert. Back in 2015, 33-year-old Neil (second-youngest manager in the EFL at the time) guided Norwich City to the Premier League with a brilliant play-off final win against Middlesbrough. His league record was also immense, winning 17 games in only 25 matches.

It is not only Neil's experience that gives Millwall hope, but also his tactical prowess. The former Canaries boss perfectly fits Millwall's identity — grit, but with a little flair to it. His side are superior from set pieces but are also patient with the ball and create many chances because of it.

Neil has been able to merge Millwall's identity with his personality and tactics, and the results prove that. The Den is also a fortress and, despite its somewhat small size, the atmosphere is electric. You can also tell how much Neil loves his players, as he celebrated with them after Caleb Taylor's goal.

Pristine Summer Recruitment and a Good Foundation

Millwall welcomed a host of new signings over the summer, most of whom have helped reignite their play-off ambitions like seasons prior. However, this season does feel different.

After his goal yesterday, defender Caleb Taylor could cement himself in Millwall's defence this season. The 22-year-old signed from West Brom in the summer after barely featuring for the Baggies throughout his time there. It was a rather unexpected signing and a bit of a gamble, but so far it's looking like the potential is there and he could be a tidy signing.

What Millwall also expertly did in the summer was sign players with plenty of Championship experience under their belt and players who have been part of promotion sides. Massimo Luongo, although injured at the moment, signed from Ipswich Town after their stint in the Premier League, and he was part of the side that got promoted in the 2023/24 season. Alongside Luongo, Alfie Doughty was a crucial part of Luton Town's success story and is a valuable option at left-back with his attacking output.

Millwall didn't have to dig too deep to build a sufficient promotion-bidding side. Femi Azeez has already tripled last season’s goal output with six already in the league and an assist to go with it.

The English winger has been superb so far, and his output is benefitting from the hard work he put in through pre-season. He could be the player Millwall need to rely on when games get tough and goals are needed — he just needs to make sure he stays fit, having had multiple spells on the sideline already this season.

It's Up To Them Now

It is now in Millwall's and Alex Neil's hands to guide them to the Premier League. It is going to be tough, but they have all the foundations to make a genuine push for the automatic places (Coventry are too good) or the play-offs. Let's see how it unfolds. It can't be more heartbreak for the Millwall faithful, surely.

Benji Kosartiyer
Journalist

Archie Payne

Freelance Football Writer

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