League One Play-off Previews - Millwall

Manager: Kenny Jackett

Automatic promotion was still a possibility for Millwall going into the final weeks of the season. However, indifferent form on the run-in saw them lose four of their last seven and ruled out any hope they had of overhauling Peterborough United for a top two finish. The fact that they eventually slipped to fifth spot could ultimately prove costly given that they have lost the benefit of playing the 2nd leg of their semi-final on home turf as a consequence.

Current form would suggest that Leeds United would be favourites for the semi-final tie between the two, although the fact that both matches are sure to be particularly lively and hard fought encounters might level things out a bit.

Kenny Jackett has built a good reputation for himself in assembling a decent squad down at the New Den, although Gary Alexander, with 11 goals, was the only Millwall player to reach double figures on the goal front, with Lions legend Neil Harris being the other main contributor of those still at the club (Tresor Kandol, ironically on loan from Leeds, had started the season in prolific form during his spell at the club). Jason Price has bagged some useful goals since arriving on loan from Doncaster Rovers (for whom he played against Leeds in last season’s League One play-off final), while Reading youngster James Henry is another loanee who could have a big part to play.

Whether or not Millwall secure promotion, it would seem likely that highly-rated central defender Zak Whitbread could be playing at a higher level next season.

Results against play-off rivals: Millwall 0 MK Dons 4 (04 October 2008) Millwall 3 Leeds United 1 (18 October 2008) Scunthorpe United 3 Millwall 2 (25 October 2008) Millwall 1 Scunthorpe United 2 (31 January 2009) Leeds United 2 Millwall 0 (09 February 2009) MK Dons 0 Millwall 1 (17 March 2009)