Millwall remain in deep danger of losing their Championship status, but Ed Upson remains hopeful they can pull off a dramatic escape and avoid the drop.
The Lions finished 19th place in the second-tier last season, avoiding relegation by just four points, and a poor start to the current campaign resulted in Ian Holloway losing his job last month on the back of five defeats in six matches. Club legend Neil Harris has since taken the reins on an interim basis, and a 2-1 win over Charlton Athletic on Friday was the first success of his tenure.
Despite the joy this victory over their capital rivals gave their long-suffering fans, the chances are The Den will be hosting League One football next season. Millwall are currently third-bottom in the Championship, seven points adrift of safety. They do have a game in hand, though, and Upson remains optimistic that they can pull off an impressive feat and avoid the drop.
“The feeling at the end of the game on Friday was elation; you could see what it means to the fans and to us out on the pitch too – and especially against that team in particular,” the 25-year-old midfielder told the official club website. “It was a great feeling all round. We showed true character which I think the manager has instilled in the squad. There is a real sense of belief here.”
Millwall now have successive home games to build on their win over the Addicks, which was their first victory in front of their own fans since October. Promotion hopefuls Watford are first up on Saturday afternoon, followed by fellow strugglers Wigan Athletic in midweek. Harris’ side then only have one more game at The Den – against Steve McClaren’s Derby County – which comes after trips to Cardiff City and Blackburn Rovers and before the final fixture at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
