Meet the opposition | Millwall
As Swansea City prepare to host Millwall on Saturday, we take a closer look at the Lions.
What’s their story?
A top-flight club in the late 1980s - with the likes of Teddy Sheringham and Tony Cascarino in their side - Millwall were relegated in 1990 and have played in the second and third divisions of English football ever since.
Neil Harris guided them back to the Championship in 2017, following the disappointment of play-off defeat to Barnsley at Wembley 12 months earlier.
The Lions had a respectable first season back in the second-tier, securing an eighth-place finish, and they finished just above the drop zone the following season.
They were right in the hunt for a play-off place last term, but ended up two points adrift of the top six in eighth place.
How’s their form?
Like the Swans, Millwall are unbeaten. The Lions have have taken five points from their opening three league games of the new season.
The Lions drew with Brentford last time out, having drawn their opener at home to Stoke and won at Rotherham.
They also finished last season in good form, winning four and drawing two of their final eight games, but just fell short in their bid to reach the top six.
Their form on their travels has been solid too, with the Londoners losing just one of their last six on their travels.
Who’s the boss?
Gary Rowett. The former Burton, Birmingham, Derby and Stoke manager enjoyed a fine season with the Lions after succeeding Neil Harris last term.
Ex-defender Rowett played for the likes of Everton, Derby, Birmingham and Leicester across a 16-year career as a professional.
He finished his playing career at Burton before moving into the dugout at the Pirelli Stadium, leading them to two play-off finals.
He then moved to Birmingham before steering Derby to the Championship play-offs. He joined Stoke from there but left his post after eight months.
Who’s the captain?
Alex Pearce. The defender joined the Lions on loan from Derby in January 2019, and his fine form led to a permanent move the following summer.
The Republic of Ireland international made his breakthrough at Reading, where he helped the Royals win promotion to the Premier League, and has also had stints with Northampton, Bournemouth, Norwich, Southampton and Bristol City.
Who are the key men?
Jed Wallace enjoyed an outstanding campaign last season – scoring 10 goals including the winner at the Liberty – and he has picked up where he left off with goals against Rotherham and Brentford.
Skipper Pearce and Jake Cooper have proved to be reliable operators at the back, while goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski won a number of plaudits last season.
In terms of summer additions, the Lions have brought in Derby duo Scott Malone and Mason Bennett, while also securing another loan deal for Stoke midfielder Ryan Woods, who impressed during his stint with the club last term.
