Millwall boss Rowett gives verdict on pre-season friendly clash against Charlton Athletic

Millwall manager Gary Rowett has given his reaction to a home friendly against Charlton Athletic being slotted into their pre-season preparations.

The Lions will host their South London rivals on July 25 at 7.45pm.

It is the first time the two clubs have faced each other since the 2019-20 campaign when the Addicks went on to lose their Championship status.

Matt Smith headed a stoppage-time winner in the first fixture at The Den in November 2019.

And Jake Cooper’s goal settled the reverse fixture, played behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic, in July 2020.

“It’s one of those games where, for us, it is about ramping up the quality of opposition and ramping up the type of opposition – making sure we have got a different set of challenges towards the end of pre-season,” Rowett told the South London Press.

“It’s a good game for both teams. It will be competitive and fairly close to a Championship-type of game.

“For the fans the result will be important but less so for the managers – for us it more about what you are going to learn within the game as part of that development in pre-season.

“It’s a good game within our programme, we’ve certainly got a stronger programme and that’s a good thing.

“We’ve played Crystal Palace previously and logistically matches like that just work, not being miles away.

“These type of games make a bit of sense. While there is a real rivalry between the clubs, we know their coaching staff and they are good people who play the game in the right way.

“It will be very different from a league game. I remember the one where Smudge scored late on. I don’t think either team is going to try and create that type of intensity. But I think there will be a natural intensity to the game. It will be a good test.”

PICTURES: PAUL EDWARDS