Brian McDermott has once again cited the uncertainty behind the scenes as the reason for a sub-standard performance, and Millwall’s eccentric boss Ian Holloway showed sympathy for our plight.
We can be relieved that we’ve stopped our run of successive defeats and our slide down the table, but there was much about yesterday’s performance that was unsatisfactory. Austin looked unfit after his recent injury problems and probably should have been replaced by Brown, while Wickham again looked unhappy playing wide on the left in our latest formation, 4-3-3.
At least Wickham’s long throw again led to a goal after finding the head of Smith. But while at Burnley the flick on set up McCormack to score with a header, this time it went straight in. McCormack scored the second from a narrow angle, though Forde should have done rather better with saving the shot.
But in truth both goals came rather against the run of play, and after Millwall had pulled one back they had chances to equalise, which a better side probably would have done. McDermott said after the game "We needed to win and we're delighted that we've hung on. We need an owner that really wants to carry this club forward and that's the most important thing.”
"We're fighting for our lives as a club with the ownership situation. We want to get it sorted out as quickly as possible. We've had a run of form that has been difficult to say the least, but you have to remember how many young players are in this team. This place is uncertain; fans pick up on it, players do and staff do. Once we've got a decision and the owner comes in and someone who has got clout and can carry us forward, it gives us a chance to put this club back to where it belongs."
And our boss got some sympathy from his opposite number, in a barmy interview Ian Holloway gave after the match. "They were on their knees. I’ve never sensed this place like that. They need to back their manager, get their life sorted out. They’re a wonderful club but that ain’t right. Stop causing havoc, support your manager who’s a great bloke, and sort your life out.”
"I’ve never been to Leeds and they (have) felt that wobbly. And that hurts, because they were there, and they slipped out the bag. I keep seeing things that are good, and I’m not sure if I should say that’s unlucky keep doing that because time is running out.”
And the London 24 website quoted the Millwall boss as saying he would rather "rip [a reporter’s] head off and kick it down the street than answer absolutely b******* questions”, but unfortunately they didn’t say what the question was that had caused him to lose his rag in such a hilarious way.
We live in hope that something will be resolved soon, and McDermott’s men produce a performance at Bournemouth on Tuesday night that will make the long treck to the south coast worthwhile.