Manager calls for focus on incremental improvements as Lions aim for play-off spot

Gary Rowett, manager of Millwall, is determined not to let the agony of last season’s final-day collapse hinder his team’s ambitions for the new campaign. Despite needing a win on the last day to secure a top-six finish, Millwall threw away a 3-1 lead over Blackburn Rovers, losing 4-3 and missing out on a place in the Championship play-offs.

Rather than brooding over the disappointment, Rowett moved quickly to reflect and turn the setback into motivation. “After the Blackburn game, all I wanted to do was go on holiday, lie on a sunbed and drink as much wine as I could,” Rowett confessed. “It was such a tough way to end the season. But I get over things quickly because the sooner I can get over it, the sooner I can work out what we need to do next season.”

Reflecting on the season, Rowett pointed out that Millwall’s inconsistency over the final nine games, rather than just the last 45 minutes against Blackburn, was the real issue. “We won only two of our final nine matches. That was more of an issue than the last game itself,” he said. “But to be that close to the top six, especially given our budget, has to be seen as a success.”

Rowett also noted that while their performance in the final stretch was disappointing, the fact Millwall consistently challenges for the play-offs despite having one of the lower budgets in the league is an achievement. “It’s a competitive league, and if you don’t win those key games, you’re going to fall short,” Rowett added.

The club had a turbulent summer following the death of long-time owner John Berylson, but despite the emotional upheaval, Rowett and the team have focused on strengthening for the season ahead. Millwall made four signings during the off-season, including the acquisition of Joe Bryan on a free transfer from Fulham, and Rowett is hoping for at least two more signings.

With top scorer Zian Flemming attracting interest from Premier League clubs like Burnley, Rowett acknowledged the possibility of losing the star player but remains focused on the club’s ambitious goal. “Top six is the aim, and anything can happen once you’re in the play-offs,” Rowett stated. “We have to be ambitious, regardless of budgets and former Premier League teams.”

As the new season kicks off, Rowett is hopeful that Millwall can use last season’s heartbreak as fuel for success. “There’s no magic wand,” Rowett said, emphasizing that improving season by season, with sacrifices from both players and staff, is the key. “The players are motivated to go one step better this year.”