TLR Diary

 

13th December Walsall 1 - 2 Millwall: Last minute goals ordinarily paint a picture of fortune, but profligacy in front of the Walsall goal cost the Lions a bigger and equally deserved win. Frampton scored the last minute winner, but Neil Harris gets to reveal a T-shirt with the message; "For You Dad" with his record equalling strike. It could have been a message to any of our fathers...
...Kenny Jackett says, "I'm very pleased for Neil, and with him, and not just because of his goal today."

12th December After a week of misquoting, Tony Cascarino claims he did not get asked to be Millwall manager, in the South London Press, "I was talking about how tough the manager's job is the other day on the radio, and maybe when I said I had had a job offer it came over wrong - because with Millwall there was no sitting down and talking about it, just that remark by Jeff."

11th December Scott Fitzgerald's young Lions defeat Sheffield Wednesday 3-1 at Hillsborough to march on to a FA Youth Cup fourth round tie at Plymouth Argyle.

10th December In a panic, as his team's promotion hopes take a battering with an injury to striker Beckford, Leeds boss Gary McAllister makes noises about calling back loan players. He doesn't know he can't recall Tresor Kandol until the end of January.

9th December An press release we have been waiting a long time for: "Millwall's League One match at Leeds United has been switched from Saturday 7th February to Monday 9th February (7.45pm). The game at Elland Road will be televised live on Sky."

6th December Millwall 3 - 2 Bristol Rovers: In arguably the best quality football match of the season, the Lions emerge as victors in a close run contest with a side that has a handy knack of snatching draws away from home. Not this time though. Tresor Kandol set things in motion to back up an excellent individual performance. Rovers' 18 goal marksman Ricky Lambert tried to get them back into the game, but a cracker from Gary Alexander seals the points. The match highlight is a case of mistaken identity, as the referee Graham Scott sends off Jimmy Abdou and then changes his mind, when he realises that all black people do not look alike - Yes, he thought it was a second yellow, when he had in fact booked Tresor Kandol earlier…
…Manager Jackett says afterwards, "It was an open game and at 2-1 I always felt we needed a third to get us over the line. Our forwards did well and obviously it's good to score three but we were up against a very good footballing side today. Tresor Kandol did very well - he was a real threat. For his second goal he read the situation well but still had a bit to do and it was an excellent finish. He could have had more than two today - you want your centre forwards there on the end of chances…
…Oh, almost forgot - the win took the Lions into the automatic promotion places.


4th December Adam Bolder extends his loan spell for a second month. Paul Robinson says of the QPR midfielder, "Since Adam came here we haven't conceded a goal. He's been brilliant - a real calm, experienced head in midfield. He gives great protection to the back four and is a good passer of the ball"…
…After the Chancellor of the Exchequer reduced the VAT rate from 17.5% to 15% Millwall declare their way of passing the savings on to customers. Andy Ambler tells the South London Press, "Rather than reducing ticket prices by a few pence, which would be a nightmare at the turnstiles, we are having kids-for-a-quid offers at games such as the Crewe one on December 20. There will also be bring-a-friend-for-fiver offers. Current season ticket holders paid the full 17.5 per cent VAT so cutting turnstile prices would also be unfair to them. We want to reward those who have been loyal to us already. We hope these match day ticket offers will more than compensate for the VAT saving. The club shop has already reflected reduced VAT rates"…
…Kenny Jackett also reveals his frustrations about the continued absence of Danny Spiller, who sounds as if he is sadly coming towards the end of his short Millwall career, "It is the third time he has had problems in that area since I came to the club. He will see a specialist on Friday about his hip. It is very upsetting for him and for us that it should have happened again"...
...Port Vale boss Dean Glover discusses Dave Brammer's future, "He may be a free agent in January. We've done a deal with Millwall in that we don't pay them until he plays again. So he's still our player. As for January, we'll have to see what line Millwall go down and whether they decide to pay him up." What remarkable value Brammer has proven.

2nd December The home match with Swindon Town is rearranged for Tuesday 13th January because of the club's continued involvement in the FA Cup. We haven't got to write that very often since 2004.


30th November It’s Carlisle or Crewe at home in Round Three. Great.

29th November Millwall 3 - 0 Aldershot Town: It wasn’t a great performance but fortunately Chris Hackett and Dave Martin had their crossing boots on. Alexander and Grimes took advantage...
...Kenny Jackett looks forward, “From my point of view I want to move on as quickly as possible and concentrate on the league for now as we've got a big game against Bristol Rovers coming up next week.”

25th November Millwall 1 - 0 Carlisle United: In another one of those, bombard the opposition goal, but never look like scoring games, the Lions eventually break through right near the end via a Tresor Kandol bundle. It wasn't very good but it was another major step forward in the right direction…
…Kenny Jackett explains his methods of expectation, "The top sides in the division seem to be winning every week, and while it's nice and encouraging - especially for the fans - to be in a good position I tend to look at points totals. Before tonight's game there was about nine points separating the top 10 teams so it's very tight. You need to get about 75 points to get in the Play-Offs but it could be more this season. Top two is usually about 80/90 points - every year it's about that to get in the promotion positions…
…Earlier in the day, there is a stock market announcement, "The Company has today completed a loan facility ("Loan") from Chestnut Hill Ventures LLC. The principal terms of the Loan are as follows: 1) the amount of the facility provided by CHV is up to £3.5 million, 50% of which may be syndicated to other lenders, subject to its terms, 2) the facility is available for a two year period, 3) interest on the facility will be 17% per annum and interest may be converted in PIK notes, and 4) there will be an early prepayment or cancellation fee of 20% of the amount prepaid or cancelled. The facility will be unsecured save that it will be guaranteed by The Millwall Football & Athletic Club (1985) Plc ("Club"). CHV will additionally have a right under the Facility to appoint a non-executive director to both of the Company and to the Club's board. The loan will be used for general working capital purposes. Having consulted with Seymour Pierce, the Directors of the Company (other than John Berylson and Demos Kouvaris who are both directors of CHV), consider, that the terms of the Loan are fair and reasonable insofar as shareholders are concerned. Millwall's Executive Deputy Chairman Heather Rabbatts commented, "Millwall is pleased to announce this loan arrangement. To have successfully raised unsecured finance from CHV at this time of financial uncertainty in the markets further helps stabilise the Company's finances for the foreseeable future."

22nd November Leyton Orient 0 - 0 Millwall: It's a squad game, as the Lions prove with a load of attacking players available, but not enough defenders. Although that's the theory, despite the defence standing solidly against the home team and the attack wilting under the pressure of an expectant visiting contingent of nearly 3,000. Poor stuff…
…Manager Jackett clearly feels it's two points dropped, as he says, "I was pleased with the way we competed to earn our third clean sheet in a row, but I didn't feel as though we passed the ball well enough to create chances to go on and win the game."

20th November Leeds United winger Seb Carole is sent back to Elland Road after a trial, with a ringing endorsement by manager Jackett, "At the moment my options in wide positions are okay. I have been pleased with the progress of my own wide players."

19th November Millwall Plc. announce losses of £6.1m in there latest accounts. Company chairman John Berylson says, "My commitment to Millwall remains as strong as ever. We have been through a very challenging year, but are now beginning to reap the benefits of the tough decisions we made, not least in the change of team management. Under Kenny Jackett and his assistants, not only is the first team challenging well at the top end of League One, but the reserve and youth teams are also enjoying some success, which is very encouraging. We will continue to work hard to maximize our efficiency, investing wisely and diligently in the team and club, seeking to build on the promise we have seen over the past few months"…
…At last, Kenny Jackett officially dismisses press speculation that he will be the next Watford boss, sort of, "I don't know anything about that. I've had no contact or approach and as far as I'm aware the club haven't either. I'm under contract at Millwall and concentrating on the Millwall job. There have been no discussions or approach from any other clubs. I don't deal in ifs, buts and maybes. I'm under contract here, I'm happy at the club and I'm focusing on the next two league games which are really important for us in terms of keeping pace, our progression and development."


18th November It's Aldershot in the Cup, after they beat Rotherham in their replay.

17th November It may just be Dagenham & Redbridge, but you can only beat what's put before you, and the Lions impressive youth team cruise through to a FA Cup third round game against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough, after five goals in a 23 minute burst seals the visitors' fate.

15th November Millwall 1 - 0 Stockport County: Both sides hit the woodwork in a tight game, which proves why Stockport are worthy of an away record that had featured just one defeat all year. In the end it takes a 25 yard free kick winner from Dave Martin to separate two evenly matched sides…
…Although delighted with the win, Kenny Jackett ensures the match doesn't pass without mention of a diabolical performance by referee Iain Williamson, "The ref was a bit harsh. We didn't compete unfairly, so I wonder why he booked so many of my players. I'd like to read his report and watch a DVD of the game"…
…Tony Craig makes his 100th Football League appearance for the Lions in the game. Andy Frampton makes his 50th in all matches in the same game.

10th November Chairman John Berylson is rapidly earning himself a reputation for a man with a size ten in his mouth. Of the constant rumours linking Kenny Jackett with a move away from The Den, he says, "I would rather not have any approach from Watford. Unlike Portsmouth and Harry Redknapp I'm not interested in compensation. There is no price that would be enough. Even offering £10million is meaningless because money is nothing to me. Making Millwall a success is and I hope it is Kenny who achieves this. I want Kenny to stay for years to come but he has to want to stay. Millwall aren't a jail but my job is to defend the club." Predictably, the £10m thing prises ajar a door of ridicule for the newspapers, and TLR of course...
...As Danny Senda returns to full training, his team-mates give him a round of applause.


9th November The FA Cup draw pits the Lions against either Rotherham United or Aldershot. At least it's at home. And of course, an eminently winnable draw.

8th November Chester City 0 - 3 Millwall: In what was an otherwise dull encounter against a truly awful team, the Lions showed a level of maturity as a team that appeared to indicate they knew they would win, it didn't matter how long they had to wait. Grabban scored the first, as late as 76 minutes, Harris added a second, to take him within one of levelling Teddy Sheringham's much discussed club record, and Ashley Grimes, on as a substitute, rounded off the rout with a 20 yarder…
…Kenny Jackett is relieved, "The game was in a pattern and I think our bench was the difference between the two sides. Chris Hackett put in two excellent crosses from the right and I was able to play Lewis Grabban through the middle with his pace causing problems for their tiring defenders as the game wore on."

6th November Out of favour QPR midfielder Adam Bolder, joins the Lions on loan for a month or so…
…The stunningly awful debut of Gifton Noel Williams left little room for manoeuvre for the manager, and he has no choice but to let the striker leave the club on loan to Yeovil…
…Kenny Jackett is keen to distance himself from speculation linking him with the vacant QPR and Watford managerial posts, "There's always speculation about managers, it's part of football. From my own point of view I try very hard to ignore it and make sure I do my job. I'm planning both for the short-term, which is our game against Chester on Saturday, which I want to win, and for the long term which is very exciting for Millwall. My focus is on this club and the job here. I'm very happy at the club - the year I have spent at Millwall has gone very quickly."

31st October Brighton & Hove Albion 4 - 1 Millwall: On paper, this appears the worst result of the season. It probably was, but there were some mitigating circumstances. Glen Murray opened the scoring against the run of play and just as the Lions looked like they would bounce back after Kandol equalised, the home side were beneficiaries of a highly dubious penalty. Forde saved, but the rebound was put away. Before we knew it the away end was soaked and the game was featuring a 4-1 score-line. A miserable day all round…
…Kenny Jackett is not happy either and focuses on the match turning incident, "I'm not too sure about the penalty. It was a long way from me, but the referee insisted that he saw something, although a number of my players thought it was a harsh decision."

30th October After joining Port Vale for a month's loan period, Dave Brammer says, "I'm looking forward to getting out there and playing football again. Hopefully something more long-term can come of this but we'll look at that when we need to"...

...Remember that FA enquiry about Ali Fuseini and the mystery of the two agents? A £1,000 fine is the outcome and the charge was; failure to ensure the exclusivity or a representation contract. He was also charged with lying about what he had and hadn't signed.

29th October Plymouth give permission to Jermaine Easter to stay with the Lions until Boxing Day. They have a 24 hour recall clause, but declare their interest in the player's future at their club by giving us permission to play him in Cup games…
…Chief operations officer Andy Ambler lets Zampa the Lion off for goading the Leeds fans at the recent match, "I think that Zampa got a little carried away with the fantastic atmosphere in the ground. We have spoken and it won't happen again."

28th October Millwall 1 - 0 Hereford United: In terrible conditions and with eleven men behind the ball for much of the game, Millwall struggle to break down the bottom of the table side. However, two red cards; one for Jimmy Abdou and later for Hereford's Clint Easton, alter the shape of the game and the tactics, and eventually, the Lions emerge worthy winners via a Lewis Grabban goal…
…Kenny Jackett comments on Jimmy Abdou's dismissal, "At first I didn't think it was a red card, but his feet did leave the floor, and we were better with ten players than eleven. Perhaps it's a mental thing." The Lions boss is obviously pleased with the result, "Lewis Grabban did superbly for his goal and another player who did very well was Andy Frampton who had a good game and never lets us down."

27th October The form of Kenny Jackett's Lions has not gone unnoticed. West Brom boss Tony Mowbray is allegedly preparing a £1m move for Zak Whitbread, but Blackburn Rovers boss Paul Ince is also tracking progress - presumably via their scout, Zak's Dad!..
…Also allegedly on the move is Dave Brammer, who may pitch up at Port Vale for a few games.

26th October Millwall are drawn away at Chester City in the first round of the FA Cup. No TV money for us then.

25th October Scunthorpe united 3 - 2 Millwall: A proverbial game of two halves, but also a top of the table classic. The home side come out of the starting blocks far more quickly and the division's most impressive striker Gary Hooper, opens the scoring. Zak Whitbread is harshly adjudged to have handled a cross and Paul Hayes adds a second from the spot. Just after the break Matt Sparrow effectively ends the game with a third. Substitute Neil Harris has seen it all before though and the Lions striker's 62nd minute lifeline provides hope, which is capitalised upon by Tony Craig. It's backs to the wall stuff for Scunthorpe, but they just about hold on for victory…
…Manager Jackett summarises the performance, "I was proud of the way we didn't give it up and almost got a point, but they deserved to be two up at half time. If you have to lose, and I don't like losing, then that's the way to do it, with a fight."

24th October After Aalborg look like they won't win the European Cup, they sack manager Bruce Rioch. If Kenny Jackett leaves, then?

21st October Colchester United 1 - 2 Millwall: For a second time this season, the Lions are outplayed by Colchester United, but the difference is this time it was all about three points, and we're very good at getting those thus far. Lewis Grabban takes advantage of the otherwise outstanding David Perkins' poor back-pass and Paul Robinson doubles the lead with a header from Marc Laird's free-kick. Kem Izzet scores and hits the bar, but the visitors hold on…
...At half time Millwall are top of the League...
…Kenny Jackett says afterwards, "It was a massive win for us. To go to a very good Colchester United side and win is a big achievement. Colchester have a very good squad and are one of the best teams in the league. Their midfield quartet is excellent and for us to win - especially after the Leeds game on Saturday - was excellent."

20th October Alex Rae is sacked as Dundee boss. If Kenny Jackett leaves, then?

18th October Millwall 3 - 1 Leeds: Leeds fans sing, "One nil in your Cup Final." And they are right. But not for long, as the Lions come from behind to thrash the visitors in what was arguably the highlight since relegation 83 season's ago (or so it seems). The star in a reasonably priced team was Neil Harris, who scored two and set another up for Dave Martin. It was a great day to be a Millwall supporter…
…Kenny Jackett is understandably delighted afterwards, "This is the sort of result and performance that gets people believing. Believing we can be successful. There were good performances all over the pitch. I think Jimmy Abdou is going to leave his car here tonight and run home!"

15th October The Sun thinks Millwall's surprise form could indicate pressure on the manager to leave for pastures new, "QPR will turn to former England manager Terry Venables, or they could go for Millwall manager Kenny Jacket."

11th October Tranmere Rovers 1 - 3 Millwall: In many respects this was the best performance of the season. It may be a cliché, but Prenton Park is not an easy place to go to, and today the Lions cruised to an easy victory. Hackett set up a first for Kandol, who added a second from a Gary Alexander flick. Jimmy Abdou scored his first Lions goal before Bas Savage headed a consolation in the last minute…
…Manager Jackett takes the win in his stride and immediately looks to the future, "We now have 20 points from 10 games, which is a good return from the first phase of the season. We now have to maintain that level into the second phase."

9th October Heather Rabbatts may be subject to an arsenal FC headhunting exercise. Millwall's executive deputy chairman says, "I need to sit down with arsenal to decide if I want to take it any further"...
...Rabbatts also comments on speculation that Millwall could be moving, "This is a rumour that is some way off the mark. We have had conversations with the people at 2012, but they contacted us for advice and to look at how we integrate with our community - not about a proposed move to the ground."

8th October The Football League will monitor the persistent irritation of Millwall fans keeping the ball when it goes into the crowd.

6th October Young striker Lyle Taylor goes on loan to Eastbourne for a month to get some first team experience.

4th October Millwall 0 - 4 MK Dons: The Lions come crashing back down to earth in dramatic fashion. Sean O'Hanlon fires the Dons into the lead inside the opening 10 minutes and the home side simply cannot recover. Sam Baldock scores twice, sandwiching a truly calamitous own goal by Paul Robinson…
…Kenny Jackett is keen for his charges to consider this little more than a blip, "I don't think there was any complacency from the players, they just made basic errors at both ends. Sometimes you think there's something deep and meaningful behind things when there isn't. We need to get over this one quickly"…
…The match is the 400th at the 'New' Den. Perhaps it's time to lose that little bit in the middle now.

3rd October Out of favour winger Ryan Smith, joins Southampton on a loan deal that will ease the Lions wage burden for three months.

2nd October Jermaine Easter tells the Southwark News that he would like to make his stay a little more permanent, "Millwall is a great club with great fans that are playing in the wrong division. If I can be part of putting them back to where they belong then that would be great"...
...In a Southwark News interview, Jeff Burnige claims that Kenny Jackett is already Millwall's best manager since John Docherty: "[Mark McGhee] walked into a job with the foundations already built, with construction underway - Kenny Jackett walked into an absolute mess"…
…British Rail employee, and former Millwall full back Robbie Ryan, is recruited by Scott Fitzgerald to help out with the under 12s squad. Fitz says, "When we were players together here we weren't particularly close friends or anything like that, so it's not a case of the old pals act. But I just liked his whole attitude to the game and his personality."

1st October Kenny Jackett is awarded the Manager of the Month silver Coke bottle for the Lions impressive September. Of course this does little more than prompt calls for the curse to take hold of proceedings.


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