HarryfromBath assesses the mood in the opposition camp ahead of Tuesday night’s game at the Den by delving into their forums.

“I am really up for the new season. It could be a load of old pony or blinding. You never know with us but this squad has a mix of experience and youth. As always in this league, home form will be vital”, “It will take a few games to get the team selection and formation right then it will be all systems go.”

“We are still finding our feet in a new division.” Lions head into Tuesday’s game confident for their prospects this season. A season-opening 1-0 loss at Forest was followed by Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Bolton and fans believe that they could have won both games had they taken their chances.

“It’s going to be an interesting season. We have what could be described as a handful of fringe Championship players mixed with some young lads looking to make an impression at this level. On paper, the odds are stacked against us but **** it, when has that ever bothered us in the past?”

“We are not the best Millwall side ever, far from it.” Lions will be happy to avoid relegation after last season’s Wembley League One play-off win over Bradford. “As fans, we are pretty good at accepting our status as Championship underdogs. We don’t think we have any God-given right to do better.”

Neil ‘Bomber’ Harris

“We have been rebuilding after a few years of managerial chaos and our best chance of progressing with stability is a manager that understands the club and the fans”, “He has brought stability to a club that was fundamentally ****ed, creating some wonderful results with the tools in his box.”

Neil Harris

The 40-year-old is Millwall’s all-time record goalscorer having played for the Lions for eight seasons over two spells. Taking over as manager in March 2015, he has been credited with sorting out the “expensive mess” which he inherited from sacked predecessor and current QPR boss Ian Holloway.

“Fantastic effort Bomber, you are truly a Millwall legend”, “His first job was to clear out a lot of the players, many of whom he would have been on good terms with, and that took character. We forget he is learning his trade as he goes. The record for his two seasons in charge has been impressive.”

His squad building has been widely praised. “I’m impressed with the work he has done to strengthen the squad”, “He had no money to buy players and has relied on free transfers”, “He has made good decisions on who to keep and who to move on. His signings have been very positive in the main.”

“He’s an honest, decent, passionate bloke and he’s Wall through and through”, “Long may he continue, the man has Millwall in his blood.” Last year’s success was built on a direct style of play which was described as “dire, Neanderthal football” which alienated him from a section of fans.

“His way of playing last season went out with the ark”, “Neil said at a fans’ forum last season that we wouldn’t be able to play long-ball in the Championship if we got promoted. Many of us had doubts about the ‘hoofing’ but there were glimpses in the latter end of last season that this was changing.”

A Change of Tactics and Style

“To stay up, we have had to change the way we play and stop launching the ball forward in hope”, “The keeper rolling the ball out and our passing it around was not a tactic of last season. Even when the midfield can’t find a way through, it gets knocked back and across now to find another route.”

“The side has a nice balance. Although still backing off, we still put possession-based teams under more pressure this season than we did last year”, “Our build-up play around the box is outstanding, the best I have seen in years”, “Our style of play and shape are much better that I had expected.”

Saturday’s starting XI (above) for their draw against Bolton was set out in Harris’s favoured 4-4-2 shape and was close to full strength. Fans have praised the “slick, one-touch passing” evolving this season. Shaun Williams’s tenacity and George Saville’s creativity have balanced central midfield.

“Our defence was one of the success stories of last season. How many games did we go without conceding?” “**** me, we have some big units in the squad. Is this the biggest Millwall squad ever?” Lions are happy with a backline which combines solid centre-backs with energetic wide defenders.

Centre-half Jake Cooper missed the Bolton game with an ankle knock and was replaced by Byron Webster and these two along with Shaun Hutchinson are seen as no-nonsense defenders. Right-back Conor McLaughlin is defensively trusted whereas left-back James Meredith is a threat going forward.

“Our interplay and movement down the left flank is very good between James Meredith, George Saville and Shane Ferguson.” Although former Wolves man Jed Wallace is seen as a decent threat on the right flank, most Lions feel that their more attacking left-sided options pose a far greater threat.

“There is a definite change of tactics, mixing long balls with intricate passing which will hopefully stand us in good stead”, “We are trying to build our play from the back instead of winning long balls and simply hoping for flick-ons”, “It is nice to see the midfielders passing the ball for a change.”

Not Taking Chances

“Up front is where we need to sharpen our pencils”, “We haven’t got a top striker and our budget will not get us one”, “Missed chances will be massive for us this season. [Strikers] Steve Morison and Lee Gregory will struggle to get 20 between them and Tom Elliott has never been all that prolific.”

“We can’t keep throwing chances away like this.” Lions widely blamed their defeat to Forest at the City Ground on an inability to convert pressure into goals. The same refrain was also heard during Saturday’s draw against Bolton. “That’s what this division is going to be about, putting them away.”

“At this level, you have got to take your chances or you will be punished”, “There were some glaring misses at Forest, brilliant play from the boys but as with last year too many missed chances”, “We got away with being profligate in League One. We will not get away with it in this division.”

Millwall 1 — 1 Bolton

“A decent performance and an exciting game to watch all in all, but we have got to tuck those half-chances away when they come”, “We played well today but let a poor side off the hook. Bolton had one shot on target and they scored”, “We have only ourselves to blame. The chances were there.”

“We definitely had the better of the first half but it ended all square.” George Saville opened the scoring for the Lions on 49 minutes but this was cancelled out by Filipe Morais’s set-piece for the Trotters some 13 minutes later. “Sometimes you just have to say ‘that was a great freekick’.”

“Bolton came for the draw and sucked the life out of the game. They were hard to break down with 10 men more often than not behind the ball”, “The turning point was a Bolton block on the line. Two minutes later they were level”, “We edged the game but didn’t make the most of our opportunities.”

Millwall 2 — 0 Stevenage (Carabao Cup)

“That was a stuttering performance which improved as the game progressed and was a comfortable victory in the end”, “We struggled to string a few passes together and fell into the trap of trying the long ball. That was meat and drink to the Stevenage players as that is about all they are used to.”

“Heading, quite literally, into the next round.” Tom Elliott headed the hosts into the lead on 54 minutes after connecting with a Fred Odeyinma ball and added a second 13 minutes later when he nodded in Shane Ferguson’s cross. “Two decent crosses and two decent headers for Tom Elliott.”

Harris rested most of his first team players for the tie. The line-up (above) saw target man Elliott start alongside the more mobile Odeyinma. Lions are doubtful over the ability of left-back Tony Craig to perform at this level, although young right-back Mahlon Romeo is a promising work-in-progress.

Nottingham Forest 1 — 0 Millwall

“Floodlit robbery”, “We should never have lost that one, we had enough chances to win five games”, “I have never seen anything like that away from home before”, “They scored from their first shot in the whole game”, “I was sat in the Trent End with mates and the first-half misses were horrendous.”

Barrie McKay won this Friday evening season-opener for the East Midlanders on 41 minutes when he cut inside from the left wing to fire home from 25 yards out. The visitors literally had the Lions’ share of chances with 23 shots in the game but paid the price for being unable to convert them.

The starting line-up (above) saw striker Aiden O’Brien stationed on the left flank although Lions have criticised his defensive work out wide. There is on the other hand wide agreement among Lions that that George Saville will become the pivotal creative force in the side as the season progresses.

“The team performance against Forest was top drawer”, “Some of our joined-up play is very good. You can see what an influence Saville has on the play, “Forest struggled with Morison and Gregory’s movement and physical presence and we managed to find space encouragingly in the final third.”

Goalkeepers and Defenders

“Bolton’s freekick was excellent but could Jordan Archer have made a better effort to stop it?” The 24-year-old former Spurs youth player “is increasingly letting goals in without getting anywhere near them. The great shot-stopper of two seasons back seems to have disappeared. He never moved.”

Millwall's Jordan Archer

“Poor positioning and slow reactions again”, “Archer has little to do at Forest but he flapped at one cross and was nowhere near their goal”, “The worry is that he is beaten a lot by shots from distance and reacts too late or not at all. Our opponents will try to win freekicks to take advantage of this.”

“Conor McLaughlin is a good defensive right-back and a very solid performer.” The 26-year-old July addition from Fleetwood “looked accomplished and made several important tackles against Forest’s Armand Traore. He got forward well and intelligently and could have created a couple of goals.”

“McLaughlin was steady against Bolton, never panicked and was always in control, a solid game”, “He’s a stronger and more aware defender than Mahlon Romeo who is all action and endeavour”, “Romeo is one of our most talented players but was often caught in possession against Stevenage.”

“James Meredith is hungry for the ball and always looking to drive on.” The 25-year-old came from Bradford this summer and caught the eye of Lions in pre-season. “He showed how a proper left-back should play. He’s an impressive player, hard, quick and intelligent and a real threat down the left.”

“You could hardly describe Tony Craig as all-action.” The 32-year-old former Brentford man “isn’t Championship class. He never stops competing and cajoling but is nothing more than adequate and a useful bench option”, “His lack of pace is a weak link” “As long as Craig features in our defence, it will be leaky.”

“Byron Webster’s omission from the Forest starting line-up was a shock to me.” The 30-year-old ex-Glover “looked sold and dominant at centre-half against Stevenage”, “He seemed to lose so much of his self-belief under Holloway but turned his career around. becoming the bedrock of our defence.”

“When our build-up play end us with Webster, he does the same trademark long diagonal ball. I like him but think Hutchinson and Cooper suit our new playing style better”, “He was beaten in the air a few times by Bolton players and his passing was woeful. Jake Cooper won’t be losing any sleep.”

“Jake Cooper won everything in the air at Forest and created a great chance for Morison.” The 22-year-old former Reading centre-back “was exposed pace-wise and his passing was poor when Forest pressed us”, “He’s a good physical towering central defender who is known for his aerial prowess.”

Shaun Hutchinson

“Shaun Hutchinson had a good game but it was spoiled by a stupid foul in front of a prima-donna of a referee and Bolton scored from the resulting freekick.” The 26-year-old centre-half and former Cottager “is always there when you need a player prepared to head it clear or make a crisp tackle”.

Shaun Hutchinson playing for Fulham with Ryan Tunnicliffe

“Hutch is an aggressive defender that likes to head the ball and tackle”, “He made a couple of crucial blocks at Forest. I can see him captaining the defence”, “He doesn’t have great pace but is as solid a central defender and you could wish for”, “It will be interesting to see if he pushes on this season.”

Central Midfielders

“Harris said that Ryan Tunnicliffe is three weeks behind the rest of the squad as he hasn’t had a pre-season.” The 24-year-old one-time Town loan signing arrived at the end of July having been released by Fulham. “He is way behind the curve with match fitness and preparation but I think he will be a good player for us.”

“Ben Thompson was running about like a man possessed against Stevenage.” The 21-year-old youth product “got caught twice trying to overplay the ball in his own half. Maybe he was trying to impress too much”, “He’s full of energy and big leaps but poor at passing and is not a threat to opponents.”

“Shaun Williams finds time and space to pick a pass, break up an attack or set up a forward move.” The 30-year-old ex-Milton Keynes man “appears to be detailed as a sweeper behind the other three midfielders and looks composed in the role. He makes less long raking passes with our new tactics”.

“Williams reads dangerous situations well, especially late in games as the team tires”, “He lacks the mobility or pace to cover out wide defensively”, “He is getting a better chance to influence play by building from the back in our new system”, “He’s a good passer of the ball and has great vision.”

George Saville

“Early days I know, but I think Saville will be player of the season. He has everything our fans look for, an appetite for the battle, a bit of pace, is keen to run at an opponent or thread a ball through them. He will score a few goals, has decent skill and he will bring the best out of his team-mates.”

Grant Ward v George Saville playing for former club Wolves

The 24-year-old ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers man played on loan for part of last season at the Den. “He’s a real driving force in the middle. He sticks to his task despite getting rough treatment and looks good in tight spaces”, “He was outstanding against Bolton. What a great signing.”

“Saville is busy, he links play well, puts in his fair share of tackles, breaks well and runs at opponents. I can see him becoming a firm favourite with fans”, “I am made up we have him. He is aggressive and quick in the tackle, yet he tackles early in any opposition move so won’t pick up too many cautions.”

Wide Midfielders and Wingers

“Shane Ferguson is the best crosser of a ball we have had in a very long time and he can actually take a corner too.” The 26-year-old former Newcastle man can also play at left-back, but Lions prefer him further forward where he can link with strikers while also combining with the overlapping James Meredith.

“Ferguson is a safe and dependable outlet on the left”, “He should have been on from the start at Forest. He was on for a limited time but delivered some telling crosses”, “He has defensive frailties but he’s a quick aggressive player who can run with the ball well and is decent with his set pieces.”

“Fred Onyedinma played well when he switched to the wing against Stevenage, but he is still on a learning curve and probably has more impact as a substitute.” The 20-year-old youth product “is full of running and is a threat at times, but he still has a great deal to learn about forward play”.

“Fred bulked out this summer and is using his strength well to create chances. He is full of running and good crosses but chooses the wrong option at times”, “One moment against Stevenage summed up how good and disappointing he can be, a great turn followed by a shot like a seven-year-old.”

“I still question Aiden O’Brien.” The 23-year-old youth product “is picked for his scoring ability and when that fails he becomes a liability”, “When he plays on the left we are vulnerable at the back. He fails to cut crosses out, gives opponents room or lets them go and makes half-hearted challenges.”

“O’Brien lacks the intelligence and bravery to create space for his striking partner”, “He’s our best natural finisher and has a habit of being in the right place at the right time”, “He takes his eye off the ball if a challenge is coming in, rather than being clinically brave and just focused on getting in first.”

Jed Wallace

“Wallace tried hard but was well marshalled against Bolton.” The 23-year-old former Wolves man “played well but was guilty of making poor decisions about whether to pass or drive on”, “He holds the ball at his feet or finds that through ball to the striker and his pace is very good on the right.”

Nottingham Forest's Armand Traore v Jed Wallace

“Wallace is seven out of 10 for his attacking prowess, which would be even more if he put away his chances. He is a five out of 10 for his defending. Too often he is tired after an upfield sortie and out of breath to chase back”, “His searing runs bring energy and a threat, and they surprise defenders.”

Strikers

“It finally looks as if we have some competition up front. Tom Elliott is a big unit who will surprise a few defences this year.” The 26-year-old summer arrival from Wimbledon has appeared from the bench in both of Millwall’s league games. “He is in opponents’ faces from the minute he comes on.”

“Elliott’s strength is in the air and he needs a supply from out wide”, “His game is perfect as a target man. You can’t miss him in the box and he will draw defenders from set plays, giving other time to get on the balls played in”, “When Morison finally bows out, Elliott will be his natural replacement.”

“Steve Morison leads the line well but failed to put away any of his chances at Forest.” The 33-year-old ex-Norwich and Leeds striker “didn’t look 100 per cent against Bolton and should have been taken off with an hour played. He tried to make things happen but found it tough against their defence”.

Steve Morison, ex Leeds

“Morison is a good foil for Gregory. Whether he can cut the mustard in the Championship is another matter”, “He gives his all and was dominant in the air last season”, “He is exactly what I expect from a leader. We have all seen the players turn to and confer with him when there’s a break in the play.”

Lee Gregory

“Gregory is brilliant at leading the line, linking play and putting defenders under pressure but he is a poor goalscorer.” The 28-year-old one-time Stag “had four or five chances at Forest which he should have buried”, “I’m not digging him out but he misses hatfuls”. “He needs six chances to score.”

Lee Gregory

“Lee reads the game brilliantly and takes defenders out with his runs, allowing O’Brien and Morison space to get shots and headers in”, “He is better getting on to through balls than knockdowns.” “He found some nice touches at Forest but made poor work of very good play by Morison to set him up.”

“Gregory’s form will be the difference between a season in which we just stay up and a good season. His build-up play is decent but he misses far too many chances”, “I still remember him from the last time we were in this division. A decent fellow and a hard worker, but a Championship striker? No.”

Lions’ Views on ITFC and the Game

Lions have had little to say about the game over the weekend but their prediction competition has 68 per cent predicting a home win with 16 per cent going for an Ipswich victory. Score forecasts are evenly split between 1-0 and 2-1 victories with most Lions expecting a close, low-scoring game.

I will keep an eye on their message boards and update the forum on Tuesday if there is sufficient interesting comment worth feeding back, and will also link this on my Twitter feed.

Websites

The busiest Lions’ forum with open access is Millwall Online. Registration is needed to access the House of Fun. These links come with the usual cautionary note regarding the omnipresent industrial language.

Further information on Millwall’s pre-season can be found in my report here.

@HarryFromBath

Photo: Action Images

Steve_M added 12:11 - Aug 14 Interesting, two sides attempting to play better football that neither is totally comfortable with and some bustling strikers at both ends of the pitch. Could be entertaining.
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HarryfromBath added 12:54 - Aug 14 That a very pertinent analysis, Steve, and suggests that this could be a more open and entertaining game than Lions anticipate, judging at least by their score forecasts. Both teams are moving away from having played more direct football last season. The question marks are probably more around Millwall's overall quality but Harris does seem to have built a balanced side, especially in midfield. An entertaining score-draw is a distinct possibility, although we may have the better strikers.

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dusseldorf_blue added 13:01 - Aug 14 Busy C§$%
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rfretwell added 13:42 - Aug 14 Looking forward to seeing Celino split them open. COYB
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Bluebell added 14:04 - Aug 14 Thanks Harry. It will be interesting to see what team Mick is able to put out tomorrow in view of all the injuries. My worry is our defence with Smith and Webster out but I am hoping for at least a draw but having got off to such a great start of the season would love to see another win. COYBs
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Sam added 15:39 - Aug 14 Good read Harry. They don't sound brilliant up front but have a good defence. So, we should focus on getting in the lead. Then, they might struggle to score against us and that is three points in the bag. Predicted team is Bart, Knudsen, Chambers, Spence, Kenlock, Skuse, Nydam, Waghorn, Iorfa, Garner, Mcgoldrick. COYBs.
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itsonlyme added 15:50 - Aug 14 Three teams I hate hate hate naaridge Millwall and Leeds
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Sam added 16:32 - Aug 14 Sorry everyone, Ward for Nydam in my predicted team.
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