SM
Watford vs. Leeds: 10 hrs 45 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
ML
Championship | Gameweek 45
Apr 27, 2019 at 1.30pm UK
 
SL

0-0

 
FT

Neil Harris delighted with Millwall after securing Championship survival

:Headline: Neil Harris delighted with Millwall after securing Championship survival: ID:357500: from db_amp
Millwall retain their Championship status after Rotherham lose at West Brom.

Manager Neil Harris hailed Millwall's spirit after a goalless draw with Stoke helped secure Championship football for another year.

The point meant Rotherham had to avoid defeat at West Brom later on Saturday but a 2-1 loss ensured they will join already-relegated Bolton and Ipswich in League One next season.

Harris was delighted with how Millwall have kept their cool, with just one defeat in their last six matches catapulting them to safety after a gutsy display against Stoke.

He said: "We haven't played at our best for a few games now, but the players care.

"They were all watching the tele downstairs waiting for other results because that's how much it means to everybody.

"The time for summing the season up is going to be next Sunday. What I can say is my team battled and they ran and they challenged and they competed. They did everything that was asked of them.

"Stoke were better than us first half, their shape against ours. No complaints, we couldn't enforce the game-plan because they were just so good with the ball.

"They were miles better than when we went up there a few months ago. Credit to Nathan [Jones] for that, where he's getting them to.

"We changed the shape at half-time, I felt we had to get a higher press on the ball. We were much better second half, we were the better team.

"We can talk about moments when we gave the ball away, but every player gives the ball away. I think that is the stage of the season. Nervous? Yes, 100 per cent. I think that was clear to see.

"It means a lot to the players. What I would say to them is it shows they care."

For Stoke, this marked their 21st draw of the season and their sixth 0-0 in 2019 but they had plenty of chances to win, with Benik Afobe and James McClean squandering fine first-half chances.

Republic of Ireland international McClean also hit the bar, while Jones was adamant they should have been awarded an early penalty.

The Potters seem destined to finish 16th but Jones was impressed with how they played, offering encouragement for next year.

He said: "We knew a few games ago now we weren't going to be in the promotion picture which is disappointing, but it has afforded me the opportunity to work on things and evaluate the squad for the future.

"Here we had a couple of good opportunities and should have been given what was a stonewall penalty.

"He would have tapped that in but he clearly has his arm pulled, gets dragged down to the floor, knocked off balance, and the keeper makes the save.

"We were entirely dominant during the first half and yes the second half was a bit more end-to-end, we lost control a little bit, but we defended superbly well again.

"It is disappointing but listen, I am proud of the fact we are only playing for pride and trying to finish well for our fans, and we have come to another difficult place, played against a side with everything to play for and performed well."

amp_article__357500 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-04-27 16:33:03:
html db last update - 2021-02-18 02:21:42 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Neil Harris

Click here for more stories about Millwall

Share this article now:
Read more about Neil Harris Football
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Leeds UnitedLeeds38257670284282
2Leicester CityLeicester37264774334182
3Ipswich TownIpswich38249580493181
4Southampton36227773472673
5West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom381991059362366
6Norwich CityNorwich381871369541561
7Hull City371610115346758
8Coventry CityCoventry3715121059431657
9Preston North EndPreston37168134954-556
10Middlesbrough38166165352154
11Cardiff CityCardiff38165174351-853
12Sunderland38146184845348
13Watford381212145351248
14Bristol City38138174245-347
15Swansea CitySwansea381210164858-1046
16Millwall381110173650-1443
17Blackburn RoversBlackburn38119185164-1342
18Plymouth ArgylePlymouth381011175462-841
19Stoke CityStoke38118193553-1841
20Queens Park RangersQPR381010183650-1440
21Birmingham CityBirmingham38109194259-1739
22Huddersfield TownHuddersfield38815154261-1939
23Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds38115223061-3138
24Rotherham UnitedRotherham38311243077-4720
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .