Millwall boss keen for fans attending overseas friendlies to be replicated on a regular basis

Millwall head coach Neil Harris is hoping that fans being able to attend the club’s overseas pre-season friendly matches is going to become a regular thing.

The Lions recently returned from a training camp in Alicante where they played matches against Nottingham Forest and Real Murcia.

And Millwall supporters were able to attend both games. It was the first time that they have been able to watch their side outside of the UK since the 2004 UEFA Cup tie at Ferencvaros.

“It was an excellent trip, an excellent experience for the young players, who did it for the first time,” Harris told the South London Press.

“Reintegration for the staff together, we have some new staff in senior roles, and the new players got to know their team-mates better.

“I’ve got to say, as a football club, it was an outstanding trip for us. The players were excellent in their togetherness, attitude, discipline, desire to want to train in the heat, play in the games and respectful to the staff.

“The fans were outstanding. I’ve been involved with the football club for a long time and I’ve waited a long time to see a well-organised trip where fans could come and support their team.

“It was a great experience and something hopefully the club can establish now and replicate moving forward.

“It’s how old I am that I played in that (the Ferencvaros match)!. I remember fans being in Ireland (for pre-season). It’s a sign of the times and the way we’re going as a football club.

“The facility we stayed at was first class and the hotel was excellent. The facilities that we needed to get what we wanted to get out of the trip – training pitch, pool, gym and recovery suites – was all there for us. The games, Forest and Murcia, were two top-class games for getting minutes in the league. The quality of opponent was excellent.”

PICTURES: BRIAN TONKS