Walsall Mad's favourite Lion , OSL (Oh South London) spent the afternoon in the upper tier of the North Stand with the Saddlers fans for the Millwall v. Walsall game and kindly agreed to answer a few questions on his support of his club and his take on the game. He arrived in the away section at around 2.20pm feeling a bit lonely with only about 10 Saddlers fans in the stadium at that point, due to motorway hold ups. It was his first ever view from this vantage point as he is a season ticket holder in the main stand near the half way line.Sadlad- Hi OSL, thanks for kindly agreeing to answer a few questions for WalsallMAD. How long have you been supporting Millwall and who have been your favourite players over the years?
OSL- I have been supporting the Lions since 1968 and my first game was at the 'Old' Den v. Nottingham Forest. My favourites were whole-hearted players like Terry Hurlock and Harry Cripps who were idols to all Millwall fans of a certain age. I also liked Keith Stevens and for skill and play-making, Keith Weller.
As a long-standing Millwall fan how does the New Den compare to the Den at Cold Blow Lane?
The old place had its own unique atmosphere which I still miss. I have to walk down Cold Blow Lane to get to the New Den and there are houses and flats built on that site and I can't help thinking of the happy hours I used to spend watching my football there. The New Den of course is better for spectator comfort and has the facilities and we do generate noise here as you know but I miss the old place.
What was it like just missing out in the play-offs last season?
Heartbreaking! I went to the three play off matches. It was satisfying to win the semi final over Leeds and when we drew 1-1 up there following our 1-0 win in the first leg at ours it was a great feeling to have made it over our rivals in front of over 37,000 fans at Elland Road. As for the final, to get so close and just lose out 2-3 to Scunny was a bit hard to take.
How do your fans feel towards manager Kenny Jackett?
He is held in high regard and has done a very good job for Millwall in the time he's been here. Even though we just missed out on those play-offs he, like us, knew we were punching above our weight but it would have been great to have made it. His job here is very safe.
What do you think of Millwall and Walsall's chances of making the play-offs this season?
They both have a good chance but it is very tight. We have some important matches coming up soon against the likes of Charlton and Norwich which could give us a better idea. Swindon have come from nowhere and they are in the mix. Walsall play some good football and you never know.
Do you think Millwall may strenghen their squad when the transfer window opens?
Well money is still a bit tight although Kenny Jackett may be given a few bob. Bear in mind though that we have a lot of players out injured and are nowhere near our normal first choice team.
Now on to the match! What were your views on the first half?
A well taken goal by Saddlers.Walsall played some good stuff early doors but in the second period of that first half the defence began to panic at times and didn't take the 'sting' out of the game. A little more composure and playing their way out of danger would have been better for them. Millwall a little disappointing but signs of growing in confidence as the half wore on.
And your views on the second half?!
Well a different Millwall in the second period and we took our goals well. I was pleased for Steve Morison. The Lions fans have been on his back a little of late and that will do him the power of good. Walsall faded a bit but try to play football and I still think you will have a decent season.
Who were your men of the match for the two teams?
For Millwall it could be nobody else other than Morison.
For Walsall I would give it to Darren Byfield who despite the stick off our fans kept plugging away and had a couple of first half chances. Keeper Clayton Ince caught my eye too and he made several smart saves to keep you in the game.
What was it like sitting with the Saddlers fans then?!
Quite enjoyable. Your lot seemed very friendly and good humoured. I would say they are what I would call 'real' football fans. I know you had a decent Tuesday night turnout at Yeovil recently on a wet night which was great and that's what supporting your club is all about.
Finally thanks again for sharing your thoughts with us and I know you are going to do your best to make the return game at Bescot later in the season and meet a few posters in the Saddlers Club before the game so a few more can meet you.
No problem and yes I am looking forward to that, work commitments permitting.