Millwall boss Rowett gives verdict on Charlton derby – with Sky cameras preventing crowd noise

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Millwall manager Gary Rowett doesn’t believe there is any advantage to playing at a quiet Valley tomorrow night.

Supporters are not allowed to attend the Championship fixture in SE7 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Addicks’ played crowd noise over the sound system for their 1-0 victory against QPR last weekend. But they won’t be able to do that for the derby on Friday night because Sky Sports are televising the clash.

It means the only noise will comes from the players and the two benches.

“There won’t be crowd noise – so it will be even more different,” said Rowett.

“It’s hard to work out what is an advantage and what is not an advantage, but I don’t think it either helps you or hinders you.

“We’ve got to go there knowing that they aren’t going to be able to create the atmosphere that our fans created at our home ground. But nevertheless it is two teams playing to win the game.

“I’m sure Lee [Bowyer] will have his team fired up. Whatever happens it is still a local derby and it’s still a game we certainly want to win because we’ve had a very good record in it over the years.

“It is going to be different and it’ll be interesting to see which team copes the best. I’m looking for another improved performance. If we keep improving – regardless of whether we get the results we need – I’ll be fairly satisfied.”

PICTURE BY KEITH GILLARD