IN FOCUS: MILLWALL

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IN FOCUS: MILLWALL

Ahead of our return to the Sky Bet Championship, learn more about all 23 of our opponents

2024-07-08T07:34:16.611Z

IN FOCUS: MILLWALL

Ahead of our return to the Sky Bet Championship, learn more about all 23 of our opponents

2024-07-08T07:34:16.611Z

Tickets for our game at The Den and The Hawthorns

Based in the heart of East London, the Lions were initially recognised as ‘Millwall Rovers’ when they were formed in 1885.

Only after a stint as ‘Millwall Athletic’ did the club adopt its current name in the mid-1910s.

In 1920 Millwall were invited to join the Football League in the newly formed Third Division. They won the league in 1927-28, enjoying steady progress before the hard-hitting impact of World War Two damaged the club.

Eventually recovering, the Lions climbed back up the leagues and missed out on promotion to Division One by just a point in the early 70s, going unbeaten at home in Division Two for a season.

Reaching the top flight, Millwall started strong in 1988, sitting top of the league after six games. Ending that season tenth, they were relegated the following year.

After a failed play-off campaign in 1994-95, the club struggled and fell into the third tier, going into administration. Five years later, they won the league and would go on to appoint Dennis Wise as player-manager.

Getting to the FA Cup final in 2004, Millwall also qualified for the UEFA Cup but were knocked out by Hungarian side Ferencvaros in the first round.

Since then, there has been fluctuation between the Championship and League One without ever reaching the Premier League.

Stadium: The Den (20,146) – Senegal Road, New Cross, London, SE16 3LN

Nickname(s): The Lions

Manager: Neil Harris

2023/24 finishing position: 13th in Sky Bet Championship

2023/24 top scorer (all competitions): Zian Flemming (8)

Played for both:

Jason Shackell – The centre-back started his career with Norwich City where, after graduating from their Academy, he made 119 league appearances in five years. A move to Wolverhampton Wanderers in September 2009 didn’t start well, and Shackell was back at Norwich on loan four months later. Eventually leaving for permanent spells at Barnsley and Derby County, the defender signed a four-year contract with Burnley in 2012 and became captain. Contributing with a goal in our first East Lancashire derby victory in 35 years, Shackell left for Derby in 2015 and it was here that he played a handful of games on loan at Millwall. In total, the now 40-year-old made more than 500 senior league appearances.

Richard Chaplow – Chaplow joined our Academy at the age of eight and, after signing scholarship terms, made his senior debut as an 18-year-old in April 2003. The midfielder impressed in his first full season and made 39 Championship appearances, scoring five goals. After moving to West Bromwich Albion, Chaplow had various loan and permanent switches over a 10-year spell and first played for Millwall in 2013. After signing as a free agent in July 2013 the midfielder struggled with injuries and dropped down the leagues with Doncaster Rovers, before finishing his career with Orange County in America.

Chris Wood – Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Wood moved to England and West Bromwich Albion at 18 years old. He signed his first professional contract in 2009 but was unable to make an impact with the Baggies, being sent out on loan six times. One of those clubs was Millwall, with the striker scoring 11 goals in 19 Championship appearances in 2012. After permanent moves to Leicester City and Leeds United, Wood joined Burnley on a four-year deal in 2017. After scoring on his Premier League debut against Tottenham Hotspur, the forward went on to enjoy five years as a Claret and score 49 goals in 144 league appearances. Since leaving Lancashire, the 74-cap All Whites international has represented Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.