Millwall boss Gary Rowett backing Charlton Athletic to stay in Championship
Gary Rowett reckons Charlton Athletic will win their battle to stay in the Championship.
The Millwall manager saw his side pick up their first victory since football emerged out of lockdown as Jake Cooper’s 81st-minute goal earned all the points at The Valley on Friday night.
But if the Lions fall just short in their hopes of the play-offs and Premier League football next season, Rowett would like the South London derby to still be on the fixture schedule.
“It’s those type of games that you want,” said the Millwall manager, who also had a spell playing for Charlton in the Premier League. “Particularly at the moment with no fans there.
“It’s those type of games that are priceless. It would have been lovely turning up at Charlton with all their fans and our fans there.
“That atmosphere is the games you relish, especially for someone like myself who has been around the Championship for a while and you’re not so fearful about losing a local derby for what the fans will say.
“They are great games to be a part of and we’re very privileged to be part of them.
“I think Charlton will be fine. They are a side that work incredibly hard for Lee [Bowyer]. Watching the game back, they had as many chances as we had – if not some clearer cut ones. We actually gave them a couple of opportunities with poor passing and mistakes.
“They’ll certainly be disappointed they didn’t get something out of the game.
“Lee has done a really good job. They’ve had some really difficult circumstances as well, which seems to be symptomatic with Charlton – the last 30 years there never seems to have been a smooth period for them, does there? You have to feel for them.
“I think they’ll be fine. I know there will be a lot of Millwall fans out there who tongue in cheek are wishing they get relegated, but realistically they like those games. And they like going to those games and having that atmosphere. That’s what football is all about, isn’t it?”
MAIN PHOTO: BRIAN TONKS