Millwall fans described as “massive, massive” part as Lions top for home form in Championship

Gary Rowett has described Millwall’s fans as a “massive” factor in their Den record this season – with the South Londoners taking the most home points in the Championship.

Fulham and Bournemouth are the only clubs who can overhaul the Lions as they have two matches remaining on home turf.

Millwall have lost just four of their 23 matches in SE16 – winning 13 and drawing six. They have collected 45 points at home, one more than Middlesbrough.

Rowett said: “If you think about the first season (he was in charge] we were in a great position – beat Forest – and then no crowds (due to Covid), and it killed us really. I know it killed a lot of teams, but it killed that momentum.

“Last season, no crowd and are home form wasn’t as good. It just shows what a massive, massive part of our club – and this team – the home fans are. We saw that second half, the atmosphere was absolutely brilliant. It just helps the players lift that performance.

“It showed away from home, we haven’t quite got enough points away from home. But we’ve been brilliant here at home.”

Rowett had tuned in to watch two of their play-off rivals play earlier this week.

He said: “If you look at Middlesbrough, Cardiff, QPR and Sheffield United – I made a very, very poor decision to watch both of those games. And hated every bit of it because when you need someone to help you, which is not their problem, then watching those games was frustrating.

“You’re hoping they are a little more competitive. But I can watch it like a fan and enjoy it. I respect the fact they have taken care of their business and we’ve got to do our bit. If it’s not enough then it’s not enough. That will be because we haven’t accumulated quite enough points over the course of the season.

“The fact we’re talking about us fighting with Sheffield United and Middlesbrough on the last day of the season, look at how many good teams are below us and how many teams, with a lot of quality players, are below us. Our players have got a lot of things that the other clubs haven’t got – which is the drive and desire to do the right things.

“Whatever way the season finishes they will have given absolutely everything to finish where we are and I’ll be proud of them, wherever that is.