Too little too late

By Jr
May 20 2005

It was too little too late for Millwall at the end of the season, as the Lions take a five-match unbeaten run into next season...but they'll be no Wisey, Ray Wilkins and Dave Bassett then. Will that be a good thing?

It was too little too late for Millwall at the end of the season, as the Lions take a five-match unbeaten run into next season.

However, in the forthcoming campaign, the Den will not longer be lighted up by the personality of player-boss Dennis Wise - who announced his resignation after the goal-less draw with Burnley.

The game was supposed to be a farewell match for skipper Kevin Muscat, who is calling time on his career in this country so he can return to his native Australia.

But it turned out to be Wise’s last appearance, and days later it was confirmed that assistant boss Ray Wilkins would only stay at the club until the next manager is appointed.

Hopefully, the era heralded by new chairman Jeff Burnige will be all about managerial stability, for clubs that operate on a shoestring need to be extra careful about who they take on to nurture the youngsters.

There’s no doubt that Millwall are lucky enough to have a prodigious crop of youngsters, so it’s not all doom and gloom despite the possibility of a high profile sale or two.

There’s been a certain symmetry in the season that’s gone by.

It started and ended with a 0-0 draw, at Plymouth and at home to Burnley respectively, while the first and last goals of the campaign we’re both scored by Jody Morris (against Leicester at home, and at Sheffield United).

Despite the brief European adventure, the lingering feeling about the season is one of disappointment.

The club lacked the financial clout to bring in reinforcements to cement a top six place and ultimately the team slipped down the table slightly when injuries and suspensions took their toll.

As good as the youngsters are, not all of them could cope with being thrown in at the deep end at the same time.

Hopefully next season, there will be more than a sprinkling of experienced professionals remaining at the club to help the youngsters learn the ropes and ensure Millwall have a bright future.