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With five London clubs dreaming of promotion to the Premier League promised land, we asked a player from each team to assess their clubs’ credentials for the challenge.
Millwall stayed up on the final day of last season after going unbeaten in the last eight games. Will this season be another struggle to avoid relegation?
David Forde: “We are probably one of the favourites to go down because we have one of the smallest budgets but that suits us fine. We have always been good underdogs. Hopefully we can carry the momentum from the end of last season through to this year. If we get a good start, we could be one of these dark horses.”
Are the play-offs a realistic aim?
David Forde: “We have had a few seasons consolidating in the Championship but being happy just staying up is not Ian Holloway’s style. The manager has brought a real sense of excitement to the club and he can make us very competitive.”
Holloway has taken Blackpool and Crystal Palace into the Premier League. Can he do the same with Millwall?
David Forde: “Why not? You can really feel the energy around the place and he wants to be successful. He came in towards the end of last season and has put his stamp on the team.”
Millwall have made six summer signings, including Ricardo Fuller, Magaye Gueye and Byron Webster. There seems to be a real sense of optimism at the club.
David Forde: “We have made some great additions and this is the strongest squad we have had in my time here. We have got quality, strength in depth and are looking really hungry. It is really positive.”
And it is rivals Leeds first up at The Den tomorrow...
David Forde: “When the fixtures come out, you always look for the Leeds game! There is great rivalry between us.”
TRANSFER WINDOW ROUND-UP
INS: Matthew Briggs (free, Fulham), Carlos Edwards (free, Ipswich), Ricardo Fuller (free, Blackpool), Lee Gregory (undisc, Halifax), Magaye Gueye (free, Everton), Byron Webster (free, Yeovil).
OUTS: Tom Beadle (free, Margate), Fede Bessone (released), Liam Feeney (free, Bolton), Simeon Jackson (rel), Andy Keogh (free, Perth Glory), Shane Lowry (free, Leyton Orient), Stefan Maierhofer (rel), Andy Marshall (rel), Charlie Penny (free, Welling), Jack Smith (free, AFC Wimbledon), Liam Trotter (free, Bolton).
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