Manager Ian Holloway has said he was proud of the performance by his new look Millwall side in last night’s scoreless draw with Reading.
Having again been reduced to ten men in the match following the straight red card awarded to Sid Nelson on the stroke of half time – the first red of his career – it meant Millwall had to dig deep in the final 45 minutes to protect the clean sheet and bring an end to our successive home defeats.
Speaking to the official site following the game, a proud Holloway explained.
‘I’m extremely proud of my players. That performance was so much more like it from us. It was the type of display you associate with Millwall, one which was full of commitment, desire and passion. I think over the course of the game we created the better chances and I’m disappointed for the lads that we couldn’t win it. I think the way they performed deserved all three points.’
Whilst there were obvious positives from the game, Holloway did say that there was still a long way to go and a lot of work still to do, but he’s now really seeing signs following all the changes that convince him and give him confidence that we will end the season a lot stronger than we have been so far to this point.
‘I want this place to be buzzing again and the players, who have only just come together, look like they could do it. I believe we can finish this season in a better way than the club has done in the last few years.’
With five January signings starting the game, and Jos Hooiveld making his starting debut following his very recent switch from Norwich/Southampton, and Paris Cowan-Hall coming on from the bench to make his own debut, Holloway was pleased with how everybody settled in to the game.
‘Jos only joined us yesterday but was absolutely superb. He couldn’t wait to get here and play for Millwall. Has he put his cigar out yet? He brings a calmness to our backline and I was really pleased with him. Paris has only trained with us a few times but I think he showed what he could do. He looked really bright. Diego was buzzing in the dressing room after the standing ovation he got. He’s another who couldn’t wait to come here and play. All the new signings we have got in so far this month are coming together and gelling as a group.’
As for Nelson’s sending off Holloway said he was 100% sold that it was a straight red card, as opposed to just a yellow, but he knows the youngster will learn an important lesson from that.
‘He was winning so many tackles up to that point but sometimes you are better to drop off and hold your position. Sid is a great lad though and he will come again, there’s no doubt about that. Sid can learn from that.’
The gaffer ended by praising the support of the fans across the 90 minutes and said he hopes that they went home happy and ‘feeling positive’ about what lies ahead when this group really does click.
Vital Millwall on:
Vital Millwall on:
Holloway Proud Of Reading Point
