Besart Topalloj on ‘right time’ for Millwall exit and Bromley promotion goal

Bromley defender Besart Topalloj believes it was the right time to leave Millwall in the January transfer window.

The 21-year-old initially joined the National League side on a 28-day loan from the Lions, but his deal was quickly turned into a permanent move to Hayes Lane.

Since joining Andy Woodman’s Raves, versatile defender Topalloj has featured 23 times and played the full 90 minutes in their 2-0 win over Chesterfield on Saturday, which secured Bromley’s place in the play-off spots.

Speaking to the South London Press about the decision to leave the Den, Topalloj said: “I had been at Millwall for a couple of years, but I thought it was the right time to leave, especially if I wanted to be playing men’s football regularly.

“Bromley was the right club and right opportunity.

“It was a tough decision. I signed for Millwall at 15 and had been there all that time. It was tough, but it was the right time.

“When I was on loan at Bromley, everyone was welcoming and wanted me to be a part of the team.

“It’s a platform in my career to become one of the best. Playing week in, week out, will make me a lot better than playing in the U23s.

“It was all up to me if I wanted to make that move to become a first-team player who was fighting for three points every single week – that’s what I was looking for at the time.

“I had a chat with Andy Woodman, who had a chat with Millwall. They wanted to sell me, and Bromley wanted to get me in.”

Former Millwall U21 captain Topalloj, who qualifies to play for Kosovo through his parents, started the season on loan with Dagenham & Redbridge but only featured once under Daryl McMahon.

But when he made the initial loan switch to Hayes Lane, Topallj made four starts on the bounce and scored his first goal in senior football in the 4-1 win against Yeovil Town.

“I’m just enjoying playing every week,” he admitted.

“Especially at a club like Bromley where the staff have 100 per cent faith in you – it just gives you that extra confidence to go out there and play better really.

“I just wanted to go somewhere and either play regularly every game or even be around it.

“At first, it was a big jump to senior football. Three points – no matter how it happens – is the main thing.”

Topalloj gained first-team experience at Millwall.

He was brought closer to the squad by boss Gary Rowett and played in friendly matches against Crystal Palace and Dartford in the build-up to this season, earning praise from the Loins manager for his display against the Darts.

But despite being named on the bench in the Championship and in cup competitions a handful of times, Topalloj left Millwall without making his competitive debut.

“It’s pretty hard,” the youngster said of breaking into a side trying to gain promotion to the Premier League.

“Millwall are trying to go for the play-offs. You had to try to keep working hard to get the debut – but I couldn’t get it.

“The players in front of me were very experienced. I wish I got the chance, but I learned a few lessons from them. Murray Wallace really looked after me. We play in similar positions, so watching him in training every day and the work he put in really helped.

“I thought maybe this season [I would make my debut], as I was in and around the bench, but it didn’t happen.”

Ex-Crystal Palace and Newcastle goalkeeper coach Andy Woodman, who also led to club to FA Trophy glory last season, recently reached a century of games in charge of the Ravens.

“That’s one of the reasons I signed for Bromley,” explained Topalloj of Woodman.

“The staff and the players give you that full 100 per cent confidence to go out there and play.

“They have so much belief in you. When the staff have that faith, it gives you that extra conference.

“Every game, no matter who you play, is going to be a battle. It’s going to be rough and a test because all the teams have the same qualities. The games come thick and fast, so you get used to the quick switch to Saturday and Tuesday.

“At U23s, you’re only playing once a week. Having two games a week is intense, and it’s always a battle.”

With one game to go in the National League season, Bromley have secured their place alongside Notts County, Chesterfield, Woking and Barnet in the six-team play-off to win promotion to League Two.

“Getting to the play-offs and winning promotion would mean a lot,” said Topalloj.

“Getting promoted is the main goal for the season.”

BROMLEY PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD