Manager Ian Holloway has promised that the team will keep ‘working and working’ following our two nil defeat to league leaders Bournemouth.
Two first half goals secured all three points for the team at the top of the Championship, and Holloway admitted our attempted fightback in the second period was seriously hampered by the red card shown to Shaun William’s, but he felt in many ways our performance had warranted a better result for us.
Speaking to the official site following the game, the gaffer explained.
‘We had to show a response after the debacle at Norwich and we did that. I felt that what we saw out there deserved better in terms of the result, but we don’t seem to be getting the rub of the green at the moment. We went 442 with Scott McDonald and Lee Gregory up front and decided to simplify things by going slightly more direct. Up to the penalty it was working for us and we gave them some difficulties with our organisation.’
Holloway continues to say that the players weren’t too happy with their second goal because they felt confident in the dressing room that it was offside, but Ollie knows you have to ‘get on with things and not moan’ because a referee won’t change his mind normally.
‘I’m disappointed for them because I couldn’t ask for more in terms of their effort and commitment.’
Ollie ended his match talk by saying that with 22 points left, if we can get ourselves on a run things will quickly look brighter for us in the league again, and we simply have to get better but the only way that will happen is by continuing to work hard and that’s exactly what everybody will do – but he did comment directly that players cannot lose their ‘discipline like Willo’ did during the match because we won’t achieve what we hope to, and turn this around if we keep putting ourselves at a man disadvantage.
‘It’s been a frustrating season so far but the lads are desperate to do well. As a group we will keep working and working and I will not ever stop encouraging them to do well.’
Ending the interview completely he turned his attentions to debutant Sid Nelson.
The 18 year old centre half was making his senior debut in the game, and Holloway couldn’t have been more delighted or proud of the performance he put in, knowing full well he certainly deserved his man of the match award at the end of 90 minutes.
‘It was as good a debut from an 18 year old that I’ve ever seen. I thought Sid was magnificent. His whole family are Millwall fans, as is he, so I know how much it means to him and you can see that. I decided to put him in there after Norwich and with that performance he has given us another big option in defence. I’m delighted for him.’
Vital Millwall on:
Vital Millwall on:
Holloway – Disappointed For The Players
