It was late drama in our last visit in a competitive game two years ago and a bit chaotic afterwards due to issues with the trains between London Bridge & South Bermondsey, hopefully there will be no such issues this time around.

Millwall is not the dangerous away day that it was in the 1970's & 80's, as long as you keep a low profile and don't go looking for trouble, in fact it can be one of the safest grounds to visit if you go by coach and even by train it can be safe enough, although its advisable not to wear colours, even away from the stadium itself such as around London Bridge Station, as there is still an unsavoury element who can appear at some of the games.

The Stadium

If you think the current Den is intimidating then you should think yourself lucky that you never visited Millwall's former home, also called the Den that was situated just a little walk away, that took the phrase intimidation to a different level, it had been that way since Victorian times and had a reputation attached to it that reached legendary status in the 1960's through to the early 1990;s when in 1993 it was replaced by their current home.

Initially called the New Den, it has been changed to just simply the Den at some time in the last decade, it consists of four separate but vaguely similar two tiered stands, giving a total capacity of 21,146. Although this capacity has never been quite reached, possibly because of the need to isolate the away fans.

This capacity has rarely been tested as Millwall haven't had an average attendance of over 15,000 since they moved to the ground 20 years ago and the highest League attendance registered, again due to the need to segregate is well short of the 21k at 18,905, although possibly due to the fact that due to violence lessening over recent years that the police are allowing bigger away support numbers.

Last season there was an average of around 15,500, but with 3,000 Saints fan there on Saturday and Millwall having a good start to the season, this has the potential for their record League gate at the ground, two seasons ago when 18,905 equalled the aforementioned record League gate.

The Away Section

The 3,000 Saints supporters will be situated in the north Stand, both upper and lower sections, the upper section has around 1,100 safe standing places, which is much needed as it is quite a steep stand with a big drop at the front and it is surprising that no one has fallen over the edge during celebrations, now with safe standing it should be a lot safer.

Getting There

By car

This is the last option you should choose given not only the stop start nature of getting around the streets of South London, but the limited parking in the area near the ground makes it a nightmare, there is some street parking but literally no large car parks nearby so its pot luck, an easier option would be to park up near a station on the lines near the ground and complete the journey by train.

By Train

Perhaps the most simple trip by rail to a London ground for us, get off at Waterloo and then walk across the bridge to Waterloo East station taking a train one stop to London Bridge, alight there and then another quick journey to South Bermondsey.

Usually the police lay on a special train from London Bridge for away supporters about 30 mins before the game and hopefully they will do so this season, when you arrive at South Bermondsey there is a enclosed walkway from the station directly into the away section, after the game the reverse will apply, two years ago with South Bermondsey closed we were held in and then had a long walk back to Surrey Quays, but usually fans are held back in the secure compound behind the ground for about 15 minutes before walking them back to South Bermondsey in the enclosed walkway, at London Bridge they cordoned off the walk to change trains to ensure there was no chance of trouble.

There are other nearby stations that can be used, such as New Cross & New Cross Gate (1.1 mile), although tube stations at Bermondsey (1.6 miles) or Canada Water (1.2 miles) might be more convenient.

Drinking Eating Etc

In the ground there is the usual fare including alcohol, but near to the ground there is little for away supporters, the few pubs nearby are usually home fans only and slightly unwelcoming.

14 years ago the police corralled Saints supporters at Waterloo into firstly the hole in the wall pub and then the Duke Of Wellington before escorting them to the special train at London Bridge, I would doubt that this will be used this time around, also beware that its not unknown for Millwall fans to look for the opposition at Waterloo after the game so keep an eye out.

London Bridge is the best option, for eating and drinking and is usually well policed to ensure that there is no trouble as certain pubs are frequented by Millwall, however there are several nice bars on the river there which although a bit touristy should be safe.

Pubs in and around Borough Market are pricey but generally good recommendations include

The Shipwrights Arms, 88 Tooley St, London SE1 2TF
The Pommelers Rest – JD Wetherspoon, 196-198 Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UN
The George Inn, 75 Borough High St, London SE1 1NH

Another option would also be the Bermondsey Beer Mile, that is not usually the haunt of football fans and is worth googling for more info on the pubs etc, it is about a half mile walk from London Bridge to the start, or alternatively Bermondsey tube station drops you right in the middle.

Quirky facts

Although geographically Millwall's nearest rivals are Charlton Athletic, they consider West ham United to be their real rivals despite the fact that they are North of the River Thames, this is often referred to as the Dockers Derby.

Capacity: 20,146 (all seated)
Address: Zampa Road, London SE16 3LN
Telephone: 020 7232 1222
Fax: 020 7231 3663
Ticket Office: 0844 826 2004
Pitch Size: 105 x 68 yards
Pitch Type: Grass
Club Nickname: The Lions
Year Ground Opened: 1993

All Photos Via Reuters

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