Millwall is on the cusp of a historic first-ever promotion to the Premier League. With a Championship play-off spot already secured, they are within striking distance of an automatic promotion place.
A win or draw against Leicester on Friday night would catapult them to second place, piling pressure on Ipswich, who currently occupy that spot by virtue of goal difference and a game in hand. However, Ipswich faces a more daunting run-in on paper.
So, what has driven Millwall's success despite their mid-table budget and wage bill? Several key factors have contributed to their ascent. Firstly, the manager has been instrumental in pulling everything together and creating a formidable team.
His experience has been crucial, especially at the business end of the season, where his successful play-off campaigns in Scotland, League One, and the Championship have helped manage the players' mentality. The squad's limited Premier League experience, with only 228 combined appearances, has been mitigated by the manager's know-how.
He has kept the team grounded, focusing on the present and avoiding complacency. The players have been encouraged to embrace the opportunity they have created and enjoy the experience.
For a club that has finished in the top half of the Championship six times in the past eight seasons without making the play-offs, the manager's technical and tactical expertise has been vital. The current team has forged strong bonds, similar to the spirit and friendships that existed in the 2001/02 team.
Captain Jake Cooper sets the tone, leading by example as the longest-serving player and the first to arrive at the training ground. The team's unity and defensive resilience have been the foundation of their promotion challenge. With the joint-best defensive record in the division, they have kept the most clean sheets, and their away form has been impressive, topping the table for results on the road.
The combination of a tight defense, set-piece threat, and counter-attack options has served them well. While their defensive solidity has been crucial, they also possess creative players like Femi Azeez, who has been a handful for opposition defenses, and Camiel Neghli, who has recently come into form. The tireless strikers Josh Coburn and Mihailo Ivanovic have also contributed significantly to their goal tally. Millwall's away form has been excellent, with 40 points this season, and they will look to set up a massive final day at home to Oxford.
Despite the challenges ahead, they are well-placed to push for promotion, and their success would be a testament to their hard work and determination.