Millwall’s Jake Cooper pinpoints game with best atmosphere he has played in at Den – and hopes to top it this season

Millwall defender Jake Cooper is hoping the atmosphere at The Den this season will surpass the noise levels created at the Fulham home game in the 2017-18 campaign.

An attendance of 18,524 – the Lions’ biggest crowd since 1995 – turned up for last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with fellow play-off contenders Sunderland.

But Cooper picks out the clash against Fulham in the club’s first campaign back in the Championship – with the Lions on a 17-game unbeaten run – as the most raucous he has heard Millwall’s home ground.

“I remember the feel around the place at the time,” Cooper told the South London Press. “We had three games left of the season and it was a massive game.

“The Leicester and Everton games in the FA Cup are right up there too [for atmosphere]. It was a great turnout at the weekend and as the season goes forward that Fulham game can definitely get beaten.”

Cooper, 28, bagged his third goal of the season last weekend, improvising with a loose ball from a George Honeyman corner to slice a shot while lying on the ground and loop it over the Sunderland keeper Anthony Patterson.

The defender immediately ran over to the packed-out Cold Blow Lane Stand to celebrate giving his side the lead.

“It’s been a while since I have scored up that end,” said Cooper.

“It was a nice experience with the full house we had. It was great for our fans to turn out as they did – they make occasions like that more exciting and special to the players and staff.

“Hopefully we can get more atmospheres like that at The Den going forward for this push towards the end of the season.

“It was a shame that we couldn’t hold out and that be the winning goal, but I certainly enjoyed the moment.”

Cooper partnered Leeds loanee Charlie Cresswell on the weekend. The 20-year-old’s spell in South London has not been straightforward, with rumours circulating on deadline day that league rivals Stoke were keen on ending his Millwall loan and bringing him to the Bet365 Stadium.

“He played really well on Saturday,” said Cooper of his centre-back companion.

“You have to give him credit. He’s not been in the team for a few weeks. It can be difficult when you’re young and you’re trying to make your way in the league, especially at this football club.

“He’s a great lad. He’s stuck in there and has a great mentality. I can only see positive things for him going forward.”

Gary Rowett’s side travel to west London rivals QPR tomorrow, looking to claim their first win at Loftus Road since 1989.

The R’s have failed to win their last seven outings in all competitions, with their boss Neil Critchley admitting his side are in a “sticky spell” after the draw at relegation-threatened Huddersfield Town on the weekend.

“QPR are a top side,” said Cooper. “They have always had top players in the division, so it’s going to be difficult. They’re in a rut, so they’re going to be desperate to put in a performance and get a result.”

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