MAGIC MOMENT
Millwall midfielder Ryan Leonard’s take on knocking out Everton
MILLWALL’S record signing Ryan Leonard says the FA Cup giant-killing over Everton ranks firmly in the top three moments of his career.
Neil Harris’ men came back twice to clinch the spoils and evoke memories of Millwall’s remarkable run to the final in 2004, Murray Wallace’s lastgasp winner settling matters.
Now, AFC Wimbledon stand in the way of a spot in the last eight and Leonard hopes Bermondsey’s own crazy gang can continue their FA Cup madness at Kingsmeadow.
“The feeling of the third goal was one of the best feelings I’ve had in football,” said the former Sheffield United man.
“I’ve had a promotion, got to Wembley, but for me to celebrate one particular goal, it is probably in the top three that I’ve celebrated in my career.
Madness
“It was madness, to be fair. When it got to 2-2, I think most people would have said take a draw. “Once we knew we could get the ball in the box, it was a case of anything can happen. “With cup games, you can go out there and play with no fear. There was no pressure on us as Millwall players and I think that suited us. “It’s going to be a tough game against Wimbledon. To get into the last eight of the FA Cup is going to be a tough game, no matter who you face.” With Everton boasting a host of attacking talents including samba stars Richarlison and Bernard, Millwall’s tough-tackling, direct approach reigned supreme. A taste of the old school still has its place at The Den and Leonard couldn’t be any prouder to now be a fully paid-up member of Millwall’s illustrious list of no-nonsense midfielders.
Joining the club on a permanent basis from Sheffield United in January for a record fee after an initial sixmonth loan deal, the former Plymouth and Southend man is unmoved by the seven-figure sum that brought him to south-east London.
“I’ve had a few interviews and people have asked what it’s like to be the club-record signing and, to be fair, it doesn’t really feel very different,” said the 26-year-old.
“As a player, it doesn’t come into you head – you just want to do everything to help the team and help the football club.
“For me, it’s not really a big issue. It’s just a case of wanting to do well for the fans, team and the manager.
Brilliant
“He (Harris) has put a lot of faith in me to bring me to the football club. He’s a brilliant guy. When I was at Southend, he was a voice in the changing room and a manager on the pitch.
“For me, he hasn’t changed as a character. He still wants to get involved with the lads and have a bit of banter.”
The midfielder admitted to having a little trepidation of heading into the Lions’ Den when they came calling in the summer.
“It’s a club that’s got a reputation of being a hard football club. It’s such a difficult place to go as an away player – it’s very hostile,” he admitted. “But for me as a home player, I’ve loved it.
“There’s no shirking out of tackles and I’m not one who will duck out of a challenge. It’s been enjoyable playing here.”