Millwall boss Rowett open to formation changes at The Den where some fans don’t like five at the back

BY ALEX GRACE

Millwall boss Gary Rowett is open to the possibility of changing Millwall’s formation when playing at home.

The Lions have been locked in a five-man defensive formation this season and it has riled up some sections of the fan base.

The Lions boss changed to a four-man defence during Saturday’s 2-1 win over Stoke City as Tom Bradshaw’s brace cancelled out Romaine Sawyers’ opener with Rowett admitting he did consider changing the shape from the kick-off.

“It gives another player forward, it’s something we thought about doing,” said Rowett. “It changed the game a little bit, getting Smudge up there and Bradders around him.

“I’m aware of that – it’s something we thought about doing before the game. I know there’s a real clamour to do that at home anyway. I get that, I understand that.

“As a manager you’ve got to find solutions in bad performances. We look at everything. We want to win as many games as we can. We’re not wed to one formation – it’s just that one formation has got us in the top 10 for three years in the Championship. So I’d be stupid to lose it and think we should be in the top two.”

The Lions are currently third in the Championship form table, having lost just one of their last 10 Championship games – but the atmosphere at The Den has still been a little tense.

Rowett added “I can’t change that. We’ve got to perform so that the atmosphere is better. It’s a good win, I don’t know if it was our best win. Three points – every win you’ve happy with. We’ve come back a few times after being down. The team’s got that little bit of resilience.”