Millwall boss explains thinking behind formation shift in crucial 3-2 win over Blackpool

Gary Rowett has explained his formation switch for Millwall’s 3-2 win at Blackpool that fired new life into their Championship play-off push.

The Lions are back up to fifth in the league after taking three points in Lancashire. The result relegated the hosts to League One.

Tom Bradshaw scored twice for the South Londoners with Zian Flemming’s penalty proving crucial.

But twice the Tangerines fought their way back. Jerry Yates converted from the spot after Jamie Shackleton was penalised for a challenge on CJ Hamilton.

Lewis Fiorini also beat George Long with a wicked low strike from the edge of the box but then turned villain after tripping Duncan Watmore inside the box with Flemming holding his nerve.

Rowett had shifted the Lions to a 3-4-3 formation which had Ryan Leonard on the right of the defensive line with Jamie Shackleton and Callum Styles as wing-backs.

“It was always going to be a difficult game,” Millwall boss Rowett told Sky Sports. “Blackpool had nothing to lose – they had to win the game. Their forwards were bright. The front four made the game almost have a little bit of a swing to it.

“We started really well. I changed formation – took a bit of a gamble. I just felt I needed to change the team’s psychology – we hadn’t been performing well and looked a bit edgy. I just needed something to change their mentality.

“We played it very well, scored a good goal and then some moments of real adversity in the game for us because I didn’t think it was a penalty – it was two players coming together. In a game like this, you have to be certain.

“To go 1-1 and then we looked a little bit nervous probably for the rest of the half. We managed to get it back together and scored some very good goals.

“We’re 44 games into the season and the biggest thing is that we’ve been here for three years consistently. It’s the first season that we’ve actually handled getting in the top six and staying in the top six. The bit we haven’t done yet is the end bit – which is winning games when the pressure is on.

“That’s part of our learning curve and the next step for our team. Some games you are going to do it and some games you’re not. It’s very difficult to find a perfect solution for that.

“We’ve got to handle the game. I thought we just about handled the game tonight and give ourselves a chance.”

More to follow.