Manager Neil Harris has spoken of his delight at sending the travelling fans home with three points as Millwall got back to winning ways at the weekend.
Making the trip to Boundary Park to take on Oldham Athletic, 362 travelling supporters saw the side pick up the first League One victory of 2016 and speaking to the official site in his post game press interviews, Harris said it was nothing more than their ‘terrific’ support had warranted – especially as it wasn’t exactly a classic in the conditions.
With Lee Gregory scoring his tenth of the campaign very early on before Oldham came back into it, Steve Morison grabbed the late winner to put smiles on everyone’s faces and that left the gaffer to explain.
‘I am delighted for my players, but also for the supporters whose backing was terrific as always. I am sure everyone who travelled up did so before Christmas with the original fixture and had to turn back, so I am really pleased that they can go home celebrating a win. We made the perfect start and could have built on that but Oldham came back at us, as you would expect from the home side, but I thought we defended really well overall. We don’t feel like it was a foul for their free-kick so maybe justice was done in the end. It was never going to be a classic game on what was a difficult pitch in some testing conditions, but I thought we did especially well in the first-half. We knew that they would have a go as the soon as the second-half started, which they did, but the players really dug in and I’ve got nothing but praise for them because it wasn’t easy out there. Thankfully Steve managed to get on the end of what was a superb cross from Shane Ferguson and win us the game.’
With Ferguson’s loan spell coming to an end following the game – and as covered earlier today – Harris also confirmed that Millwall had put in what he felt was a ‘good’ and ‘strong’ offer for the midfielder to Newcastle United and he was hopeful we’d get the outcome we wanted.
‘We have put in what we feel is a very good bid for Shane, so now we just have to wait and see how Newcastle respond. We have loved having Fergie here and he showed today what quality he has on that left foot. He has really enjoyed his time at Millwall so far and is settled in London, so hopefully we can extend his stay.’
With new 21 year old loanee Jed Wallace making his full debut following his arrival from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the game, he was also interviewed following his own performance and he explained he was thrilled to get the hour under his belt so quickly so he could get up and running.
‘For me to get 60 odd minutes under my belt when I haven’t played really for three months is good. I can only improve now and I’m looking forward to contributing and helping the team move forward. Luckily for me it was a quick transition from signing to playing and I managed to get straight out there and have some minutes. There is a lot of games coming up, especially considering the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie, so if I can score some goals and contribute to some wins then it will be great.’
Making the move to us, he went on to say that having received advice from two former Lions, the move became a no brainer.
‘When I knew that Millwall was an option it was perfect for me. Knowing the style of players that are here and that I’d be working under a young, enthusiastic manager, I felt it would really suit me. I spoke to James Henry and Paul Robinson and they told me what a great club it is to play for as well. Millwall is, without a doubt, one of the biggest clubs in this division. I want to try and help get this club back to the Championship, which is where it should be.’
Vital Millwall on:
Vital Millwall on:
Harris Pleased With Oldham Win
