“I know these are very early days but from what I have seen, heard and read to me Steve Lomas will be a good coach but not a manager.” Many Lions are not yet convinced by their new boss.

“St Johnstone were not unhappy that he left, as it was Tommy Wright who effectively managed their team last year.”

“All the success St Johnstone had under Steve Lomas was not from Lomas, but from Tommy Wright and maybe we should have tried to get him in as manager and not the gingerbread man.”

“He has mostly got the players he wanted in, and has said in the future we will have to get rid of some of the dead wood. The problem I see is who in the hell is going to want any of the crap we have, when most clubs have already done most of their business.”

The majority of fans simply think that it will take time for the new squad to bed in. “These are early days. I don't think we played enough decent friendlies and we don't look the started article, let alone the finished article.”

The Long Ball Game

Some Lions are concerned by early signs of this, and are hoping that it is down to a lack of rhythm rather than a tactical plan. “I was more than pissed off with the 'Wall on Saturday, as I thought the days of 'hoof-ball' had gone but, no, same old story and just not good enough.”

“Millwall can’t play the long ball game. It does not work. We cannot win balls in the air.” “In the warm-ups they play quick short passing on the ground, something I never see done in a game. Why the f*** not?”

The Tactical Overview in One Sentence

Millwall supporters agree that they have yet to fix on their best starting XI and they are particularly anxious about their squad’s lack of quality in the centre of midfield and in both full-back positions.

Defence

With established players injured or simply not up to speed, supporters are concerned about the shape and quality of the Lions’ defence. They are particularly concerned about their full-backs.

“David Forde has been told that an injury to his left knee requires surgery and he could be out of action for up to six weeks.” “Just read he has to have an operation on his knee.” The Republic of Ireland international, with whom we were linked over the summer, is out for six weeks.

He will be replaced by new signing and former Blues loanee Stephen Bywater, who left Sheffield Wednesday over the summer, while former Town man Andy Marshall has resigned on a short-term contract. “Let’s hope Bywater is ready for a bit of a ''baptism of fire'' so to speak.”

Stephen Bywater

He played against Wimbledon in Tuesday’s Capital One Cup tie. “Bywater dropped the ball on all three occasions in the first half, proper flappy.” “He did make a top drawer save at the death.”

“If Shittu keeps playing he will be found out this season, he gets turned way too easily and misjudges the ball on the bounce a lot. People rave about him because he scored in the FA Cup and had a shot from 40 yards, I myself think he is just average.” “He will not be able to keep up with the pace.”

“For me Shittu usually screws the first attempt up and then makes amends. He seems to make a fair bit of good luck for himself.” “Decent Championship player, and once again half on here want rid because he never had a great game. A player can't have everything, he's strong, great in the air, can pass, commands very well, but a little slow over ten yards. What do you want?”

“Mark Beevers was my man of the match against Yeovil, closely followed by Fordey!” “I actually thought Beevers was shocking. He has a 50p head, and was at fault for their goal.” “I don’t know about his defending, but Beevers was our best forward today. He won every header when he went up for the corners!” “Add the fact Beevers can get back afterwards.”

Millwall youth product and current captain Paul Robinson played against the Dons on Tuesday. “No way should you gauge last night’s game to throw him above the Shittu and Beevers. He's a long way off of that and I think only an injury to one of those two would you see him get back in the side.”

“Jack Smith looked solid and is better on the ball than Dunney.” The former Swindon man impressed against the Dons. “I Thought Smith looked solid at right-back.” “Dunne is a one-hundred-percent player, but very uncomfortable on the ball.”

Lions have real concerns about both full back positions. “Lowry was f****** awful.” “Neither Lowry, who is not a left-back nor Dunne gives us a thing going forward. Lowry is an out and out defender and better at centre-half in my opinion.”

Against the Dons, former Bournemouth man Scott Malone “had a very good game going forward but still a bit clumsy at the back”.

“I was behind the dug-out and the bench was getting frustrated with the full-backs. I think the full-back issue will be addressed - hence the Nicky Shorey trial, and several other right-backs being trialed and linked.”

Midfield

Trotter v Rhodes

“Nicky Bailey moved the ball well playing deep and spraying it about.” Lions are happy with their new signing from Middlesbrough. “Bailey was the man of the match, and when Trotter is fit or Richard Chaplow plays in the middle alongside him our midfield will be formidable.”

“Bailey stood out for me. He look like he needs to lose half a stone, but he still got around and made tackles and used the ball well. I would love to see him and Chaplow in the centre.”

Against Wimbledon “Steve Lomas took Bailey off after 70 minutes as I am sure he wants to save him for Saturday. We fell apart in the middle when Wright came on. He didn't close their midfield down and their bloke got goal-side of Wright after a throw in was flicked on to score easily. That set up a tense finish.”

“I can't remember Wright making a pass to our players or a tackle on theirs.” The former Scunthorpe midfielder Josh Wright has been heavily criticised for his part in Saturday’s defeat and the Dons’ late comeback on Tuesday.

“Wright should not have started and Jimmy (Nadjim Abdou) is not physically strong enough for the Championship.” The former Plymouth player has played in both games, leaving many Lions perplexed. He is been criticised for running around a great deal with little end product. “How the f*** is Abdou still playing?” “He won’t be once Chaplow and Bailey are fit.”

Former Reading midfielder and one-time Town target James Henry played in both games and again the fans have their doubts. “Henry couldn't get in the game yesterday. He always struggles when we play narrow and not having a left winger means our play was easy to read. Ultimately, I hope he gives us the creative quality we need over a season.”

Steve Lomas played him in a wide role without success: “I would like Henry to be given more free rein and go where he wishes rather than be stuck on the side.” “He's our most creative player and someone somewhere needs to support the front two.” “Henry again looked like he was going through the motions but couldn't be bothered. He kept cutting inside.” “Henry should have been taken off.”

“Surely Steve Lomas will play both Bailey and Chaplow in midfield on Saturday.” Former Saints midfielder Richard Chaplow has been played on the left flank, and “was outstanding”. “I felt a bit sorry for Chaplow yesterday as he is most definitely not a left winger.”

“Chaplow looked promising once he's in the centre.” “Chaplow was quality, always seems to do something inventive with the ball. Bailey looks like a cracking player too.”

“We move on and hope Martin can come in a do a decent job.” Former Ipswich winger Lee Martin had a second half run-out against Wimbledon. “Martin had a busy and forceful 20 minutes and he looked more of a handful than Woolford.” “Maybe Martin is now fit and will also be in on Saturday.”

“Martyn Woolford was woeful. Given the chance to run into a space or attack the full-back or the by-line he chose neither and other than score in the second half he was poor.” Many Lions were critical of the former Bristol City player on Tuesday. “The left-wing position is Martin’s for the taking if he can come up with the goods.”

Shaun Derry

The late news that Millwall have signed the former Palace player on loan from QPR has given Lions a welcome boost. “Lomas was going nuts every time Jimmy and Wright were losing the ball last night. Someone shouted out ‘Lomas, you need 10 more Baileys! He turned round and smiled.’”

Shaun Derry

“Him and Bailey in the midfield would show passion along with Chaplow in and around there somewhere.”

“If we do then it will look really bad for Jimmy.” “He would be a fantastic signing for us. The midfield of Wright and Abdou is absolutely two bob, against Yeovil they were walked through.”

“He will be a really good addition to our midfield and as said before knows this division inside out, he's our type of player and will give 100%, just what we need, only for four weeks though so he'll need to make an impression, if he stays for more than four weeks he'd be a natural choice for captain. Squad is shaping up, first league win coming up at Ipswich!”

“In terms of Championship level he would get straight into our team in centre midfield. He holds the ball up well, good distribution and is a tough gritty player and a leader.”

Attack

“Our forwards lack confidence and we have got used to sitting back hoping someone else pushes forward.” Many fans think that the strikers have yet to find a rhythm, but this may be down to the support they have been getting from their midfielders.

Former Palace striker Jermaine Easter played against Wimbledon to mixed reviews. “F****** Easter, he missed so many chances it was embarrassing, especially his air shot from eight yards when it was easier to score, he was f****** dire.” “Easter and Keogh were both poor.”

Jermain Easter

“Easter looked lively and caused some concern when he darted about but Keogh didn't perform well. The best thing he did was to score the goal after a mistake from their keeper on the edge of his box.”

“Didn't Keogh score? He had a lot to do to get that ball into the net. He chased down a lost cause, scrapped for the ball, and got it in from a tight angle. Think you're being a bit harsh on him there.”

“Keogh ran about a lot with f***-all end product. It's not the Keogh of two seasons ago, granted. But he's looking a lot more lively than last season.”

“Am I only one who thought Morison was back to his lazy, sluggish self? He only goes for 50 per cent of balls and only wins 50 per cent of the ones he does go for, so that's about a 25 per cent strike rate.”

Steve Morison has returned from Leeds on loan after a spell with the Budgies. One incident against Yeovil struck a nerve on Saturday. “If you're talking of the 50:50 ball between Morison and their keeper then I'm afraid Stevie boy bottled the challenge, didn't get to the crunch nor did he want to!”

“He wants to liven up a bit quickly or he will lose the fans again!” “His game is about bursts of power and surging runs, you cannot physically do it all the time. He will get goals this season.”

“What's happening with Scott McDonald? Did he come on for 10 minutes or so? Just how unfit is he? I was looking forward to seeing how he and Morison would play upfront.” There have just been a couple of cameo appearances from the new ex-Middlesbrough striker.

Lions’ Views on ITFC and Saturday’s Game

“Luckily, Ipswich seem to be about as useful as us at the moment so defeat may be possibly averted. “ “Put in a solid performance to get a point, or even three against Ipswich and we are up and running.”

Forecast threads this morning see Lions split evenly three ways on the outcome of the game. Their most favoured scores are a 2-0 home win, a 1-1 draw and a 2-1 away victory. I will update the forum on Saturday morning with their more immediate thoughts.

Websites

With the House of Fun forum closed to everyone but known Millwall supporters, the best message board with open access easily is Millwall Online.

Photo: Action Images

StuartBrett8 added 12:22 - Aug 9 Nice one Harry, very good as usual :)
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kerryblue747 added 12:40 - Aug 9 Harry thank you I always look forward to reading them keep up the good work.
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mathieshattrick added 13:14 - Aug 9 "Keogh ran about a lot with f***-all end product." - Just wait until they see something of Lee Martin.
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MaySixth added 13:56 - Aug 9 cheers Agent Harry
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DiamondGezzer added 14:30 - Aug 9 Nice one 'arry !
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JustSpivvyChops added 14:46 - Aug 9 Had to laugh at Mathies..............was thinking the same thing. You can bet your arse he'll turn up and have the game of his life against us though!!
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bohslegend added 15:04 - Aug 9 JustSpivvyChops, you are a miserable git aren't you?
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BrettenhamBlue added 18:05 - Aug 9 Well done Harry. Much appreciated by everyone.
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JCBLUE added 20:17 - Aug 9 Great article Harry, thank you.
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HarryfromBath added 21:04 - Aug 9 Many thanks everyone for the kind comments, which are greatly appreciated. Millwall fans are normally sharp in their observations and not shy about sharing them, but they were unusually subdued this week. It was as if they were collectively scratching their heads and were still very unsure about their best line up. One had a strong sense of the jury being out with the new boss. He would get a great vote of confidence from the fans if, for example, he were to pair Shaun Derry and Nicky Bailey in the middle of the park. Derry's arrival (assuming he is 100% match fit) could make this a much more hard fought game than it would otherwise have been.

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