SMILES BETTER
MILLWALL v WBA Rowett’s loving new life at The Den
GARY ROWETT has put a smile back on the face of Millwall FC.
And the Lions have returned the favour.
The solid foundations created under Neil Harris have been built upon, and 31 points from 18 fixtures so far is testament to the growing feeling of contentment between the new management and existing staff at the Den.
And the key to it has been Rowett finding himself immediately at home.
He said: “When you are an outof-work football manager, you do ask yourself: ‘What do I want in terms of my next club?’
“I wanted something similar to that which I had at Birmingham in the early days.
“I wanted a group of hungry players, eager to do well. A club that knew what it was, what its parameters and goals were.
“One which had quite a simple way of viewing the world – and one that wanted to improve.
“It’s important for me to stress it wasn’t broken here, either.
“I’m not one of those managers who is going to come in and rubbish what has gone on before me. I was lucky to inherit a group of hungry players from Neil.
Culture
“They were prepared to work for him. There was a good culture in the dressing room – and for me that was like a breath of fresh air.
“The players have been receptive – even when we haven’t had a positive result – and that counts for a lot in management.
“And this is a smashing club. The people here have been warm, friendly and accepted us straight away – so, of course, you want to do well for them.”
Rowett has left a string of clubs in a far better position than he found them. Indeed, it could be argued he was somewhat unfortunate at his previous posting at Stoke City. the enjoyment back into it for me.
“It’s like when
I first started out, all wide-eyed. The key difference is that now you have a bank of experiences to fall back upon.
“It makes you appreciate it all the more. Like I say, it’s not broken at Millwall. Our job is to build upon what we have.”
And so on to West Brom this lunchtime, a team Rowett saw from the commentary box when he was employed in the studio by Sky Sports.
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