Alex Neil Rejects ‘Little Old Millwall’ Tag in Championship Promotion Battle
Millwall head into a pivotal Championship clash with Ipswich on Saturday. The match airs live on Sky Sports and carries major stakes in the promotion race.
Standings and stakes
Millwall sit third in the table, with Ipswich just below in fourth. The winner could claim the second automatic promotion spot behind leaders Coventry.
The fixture has been scheduled for Saturday 21 March, with a 12:30pm kick-off. A Millwall victory would have placed them above Ipswich before the game.
Neil rejects “little old Millwall” narrative
Manager Alex Neil publicly dismissed the “little old Millwall” tag. He called the underdog narrative demeaning to his squad.
Neil argued that football is decided by eleven players on the pitch. He stressed performance on the day matters more than budgets.
Belief and standards
Neil said he would not tell his players they are punching above their weight. He said Millwall are as competitive as any side in the division.
The manager also warned against romanticising miracle stories. He insisted the team must believe they deserve to compete for promotion.
Recent form and the Blackburn incident
Millwall had been on a four-game winning run before losing 2-1 at home to Blackburn last weekend. That defeat saw Blackburn score twice in the final ten minutes.
Five minutes after Millwall opened the scoring, Zak Sturge was sent off for a last-man foul. The decision proved decisive in turning the match.
Appeal success
Millwall appealed the red card and saw it rescinded. Zak Sturge is now available for selection against Ipswich.
Neil said he believed the referee made a clear mistake. He also spoke with the official after the match and felt vindicated by the overturning.
Club progress and resources
Neil highlighted the club’s improvements on and off the pitch. He pointed to recruitment gains over the last two years.
The Den has undergone refurbishment to improve fan facilities. Home attendances are high and many matches are selling out.
Investment and squad strength
Chairman James Berylson has invested in the club, says Neil. The manager added the club has made smart reinvestments after player sales.
Millwall boast the best clean-sheet record in the league this season. Neil believes several squad members have significant market value.
Player form and outlook
Femi Azeez has produced strong performances this season. His form has helped fuel Millwall’s promotion ambitions.
Despite progress, Neil would not claim Millwall are Premier League ready yet. He said there remains work to be done.
Final thoughts before Ipswich
Neil reiterated that comparisons with Ipswich’s Premier League riches should not diminish Millwall. He rejected the underdog label in the Championship promotion race.
He emphasised confidence, preparation, and performance as Millwall chase automatic promotion. Filmogaz.com will follow the build-up and reaction to the match.
