Millwall

Millwall
Clubname	Millwall
Founded	1885
Ground	The Den
Capacity	20,146
Chairman	James Berylson
Manager	Neil Harris
League	EFL Championship
Season	2023–24
Position	13th

Millwall. The professional football club was founded in 1885 on the Isle of Dogs in East London, originally as a works team for Morton & Co. The club is known for its passionate, working-class supporter base and its long-standing home at The Den in Bermondsey, competing in the EFL Championship. Millwall's identity is deeply intertwined with its community, a history of resilience, and notable achievements in domestic cup competitions.

History

The club's origins trace back to workers at Morton & Co. jam and biscuit factory, forming as Millwall Rovers. Early matches were played on waste ground on the Isle of Dogs, with the club moving to a proper ground at North Greenwich in 1901. Millwall gained election to the Football League in 1920, joining the newly formed Football League Third Division. A significant period followed under manager Billy McCracken in the 1930s, culminating in the club's sole FA Cup final appearance in 1937, where they were defeated by Manchester City. The post-war era saw fluctuating fortunes, including a famous run to the FA Cup semi-finals in 2013 under manager Kenny Jackett. The club has experienced multiple promotions and relegations between the second and third tiers, with a notable period in the old First Division from 1988 to 1990 under the management of John Docherty.

Stadium

The club's original home was The Den on Cold Blow Lane in New Cross, which opened in 1910 and was renowned for its intimidating atmosphere. In 1993, Millwall moved to a new all-seater stadium, also named The Den, in Bermondsey, to comply with the Taylor Report following the Hillsborough disaster. The new ground, located near South Bermondsey railway station, has a capacity of 20,146 and is known for maintaining the intense matchday environment of its predecessor. The stadium has also hosted events such as rugby league matches for the London Broncos and England internationals, as well as concerts by artists like Rod Stewart.

Supporters and rivalries

The club's supporters, often referred to as "Lions", are historically drawn from the docklands and industrial communities of South London and have a reputation for fierce loyalty. Millwall's most intense rivalry is with West Ham United, a feud rooted in geographical proximity and historical workplace conflicts between dockers in the East End. Other significant local rivalries exist with Charlton Athletic, Crystal Palace, and Leeds United. The club has worked to combat a historical association with football hooliganism, notably through community initiatives like the Millwall Community Trust, though incidents such as those during a 2002 UEFA Cup match against Ferencváros have periodically attracted media attention.

Honours

Millwall's primary honours include winning the Third Division title in 1928, 1938, and 2001. The club has also been champions of the Fourth Division in 1962 and 1985. In cup competitions, their greatest achievement was finishing as runners-up in the 1937 FA Cup. They won the Football League Trophy in 1983, defeating Lincoln City at Wembley, and were finalists in the same competition in 1999. The club has also been promoted via the League One play-offs in 2010 and 2017.

Players

The current first-team squad includes notable figures such as goalkeeper Matija Šarkić, defender Jake Cooper, and forward Zian Flemming. Historically, the club is renowned for producing talent through its academy, with graduates like Steven Reid and Tim Cahill going on to have successful careers in the Premier League and internationally. Other legendary players include striker Teddy Sheringham, who began his career at the club, long-serving defender Barry Kitchener, and prolific goalscorer Neil Harris, who is the club's all-time record goalscorer. Recent internationals to have played for Millwall include George Saville of Northern Ireland and Aidomo Emakhu of the Republic of Ireland.

Management

The current manager is Neil Harris, appointed in 2024 for his second spell in charge, having previously managed the club from 2015 to 2019. The club's ownership is led by chairman James Berylson, following the tenure of his father, John Berylson, who was the majority shareholder from 2007 until his passing in 2023. Other notable former managers include George Graham, who later won the league with Arsenal, Jimmy Nicholl, and Gary Rowett. The technical and coaching staff includes assistant manager Dave Livermore and first-team coach Adam Barrett.

Category:Association football clubs in London Category:Football clubs in England