Tension after Millwall’s 3-1 defeat to Norwich…but Gary Rowett confident positive display can swing mood of fans

BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk

Gary Rowett is fully aware that a win for Millwall tomorrow will help defuse some of the tension after their 3-1 defeat at Norwich City last weekend.

The Lions’ travelling support chanted negative comments towards their manager in the second half at Carrow Road.

Millwall turned in a poor performance in Norfolk and Aidomo Emakhu’s fine strike late on was the only bright spot, also giving the final scoreline a less harsh feel.

Rowett, the second-longest serving boss in the Championship behind Coventry’s Mark Robins, reacted to the fans’ chants.

His former club Stoke City head to The Den this weekend with the hosts losing their last three fixtures in all competitions after an opening day 1-0 success at Middlesbrough.

Asked about the criticism directed at him, Rowett told the South London Press: “It’s always a hard one for a manager. I’m just trying to be honest – rather than me sounding critical or saying something to exacerbate the situation. It’s not about that.

“I gave an honest perspective, sat on the sideline. It’s not nice. I’m not going to say: ‘I really enjoyed it – give me more’. I’m sat there saying it isn’t particularly pleasant. But I was quick to say I understand the frustrations and that sometimes the manager is the target. I’d rather it that way, than it be the players.

“I also understand that good performances and three points are the only things which change that perspective.

“Do I think it is unjust and unfair after four years of winning a lot of football matches and getting the team to finish 11th, ninth, eighth and eighth? Yeah, I do. But that isn’t my decision or judgement. I’m not the one who is reacting.

“I understand we have to change that with our performances. And if our performances don’t change then it isn’t going to stop – that’s just football. Our fans pay their money.

“For four years our fans have been brilliant. They have created some of the best atmospheres I’ve ever been a part of. Our fans have created some of the best afternoons I’ve had as a football manager. But, you don’t live in the past – do you? You live in the present.

“My job is to get points for the football club and if I don’t then I get criticism. It’s what you sign up for when you become a football manager. You don’t say: ‘I want the pressure and responsibility – but I don’t want anyone to say anything critical about me’. That’s not how it works.”

The question is how much the finale to the Norwich match affects the mood in SE16, especially if Millwall fail to make a positive start. Rowett, who succeeded Neil Harris in October 2019, has already talked about negativity from the stands not being helpful to his players.

“That’s just a factual statement,” he said. “You ask a player and they will tell you it doesn’t help. But I also understand one goes hand in hand with a poor performance.

“It’s up to us to change that. It’s up to us to come out, front foot, take the game to Stoke and play like we should, as a home team, and change the feeling in the stadium because we’re playing well.

“If we don’t do that then it is what it is. It’s my former team, Stoke, as well – so I’m sure they’d quite like to join in with any chanting going on!

“That’s not the thing. I’m here for Millwall Football Club to try and win games of football. If we play well and show the relevant energy, then my belief is our fans will get behind that.”