What Happened to Millwall Football Club?
Millwall Football Club, founded in 1885, is a professional football club based in Bermondsey, South East London, known for its passionate fanbase and resilient spirit. After a history marked by periods in various divisions and a memorable FA Cup Final appearance in 2004, the club has established itself as a consistent competitor in the EFL Championship. As of May 2026, Millwall is actively competing in the Championship play-offs, aiming for promotion to the Premier League.
Quick Answer
Millwall F.C. is currently competing in the EFL Championship play-offs as of May 2026, having finished 3rd in the 2025-2026 season. The club is managed by Alex Neil, who was appointed in December 2024, and continues to play at The Den. Recent developments include securing a 999-year lease for their stadium in March 2026 and making several key transfers in early 2026 to bolster their squad for a promotion push.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Millwall Rovers Founded
The club was founded as Millwall Rovers by workers of J.T. Morton's factory on the Isle of Dogs.
Move to The Old Den
Millwall moved from the Isle of Dogs to a new stadium in New Cross, South East London, which became known as The Old Den.
Opening of The New Den
Millwall moved to their current all-seater stadium, initially known as The New Den (now simply The Den), which was the first new stadium built in England after the Taylor Report.
FA Cup Final and UEFA Cup Qualification
Millwall reached the FA Cup Final for the first time in their history, losing to Manchester United, but qualified for the UEFA Cup, marking their only European appearance.
Promotion to Championship via Play-offs
Millwall won the League One play-off final, securing their return to the EFL Championship.
Second League One Play-off Final Win
The club again won the League One play-off final, earning promotion back to the Championship.
James Berylson Becomes Chairman
Following the tragic death of his father, John Berylson, James Berylson took over as chairman of Millwall Football Club.
Alex Neil Appointed Head Coach
Scottish manager Alex Neil was appointed as the new head coach of Millwall F.C. on a long-term contract.
Record Attendance at The Den
Millwall recorded their largest-ever Football League attendance at The Den, with 19,004 spectators watching them play Charlton Athletic.
Tommy Watson Joins on Loan
Millwall announced the signing of 19-year-old attacker Tommy Watson on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion until the end of the 2025/26 season.
999-Year Lease for The Den Signed
Millwall Football Club formally signed all lease agreements with Lewisham Council, securing a 999-year lease for The Den.
Secured Championship Play-off Spot
Millwall secured a guaranteed top-six finish in the EFL Championship with a 3-1 victory over Stoke City.
Commence Championship Play-off Semi-Finals
Millwall entered the EFL Championship play-offs, with their semi-final first leg against Hull City scheduled for May 7, 2026.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Millwall Football Club, affectionately known as 'The Lions,' has a rich and often turbulent history since its founding as Millwall Rovers in 1885 by workers of J.T. Morton's factory on the Isle of Dogs. The club moved to its iconic home, The Den, in New Cross, South East London, in 1910, and then to a new, all-seater stadium, also named The Den, in 1993, following the recommendations of the Taylor Report.
A significant turning point in modern history came in 2004 when Millwall reached the FA Cup Final, ultimately losing to Manchester United but securing qualification for the UEFA Cup, their first-ever European campaign. The club has experienced fluctuating fortunes across the English football leagues, often battling in the second and third tiers. Their identity is strongly tied to their working-class roots and a defiant 'No one likes us, we don't care' chant, reflecting a perceived underdog status.
The period from 2019 to 2024, under manager Gary Rowett, saw Millwall maintain consistency in the Championship, often hovering around the play-off places. A major change occurred in 2023 with the tragic death of long-serving chairman John Berylson, who had owned the club since 2007. His son, James Berylson, subsequently took over the chairmanship, continuing the family's deep commitment to the club.
In December 2024, Alex Neil was appointed as head coach, tasked with guiding the club towards Premier League promotion. Under Neil, Millwall has shown strong performance, particularly in the 2025-2026 season. The club finished 3rd in the EFL Championship with 83 points, their highest-ever points total in the second tier, and boasted the best away record in the division. This strong finish secured them a spot in the Championship play-offs, marking their ninth appearance in the EFL play-offs at all levels.
Off the pitch, Millwall secured a crucial 999-year lease for The Den with Lewisham Council in March 2026, providing long-term stability for their stadium and future development plans. The club also reported a significant reduction in pre-tax loss for the 2024/25 season, driven by increased revenue and strategic player sales like Zian Flemming and Romain Esse, allowing for reinvestment into the squad and infrastructure. As of May 2026, Millwall is actively participating in the Championship play-off semi-finals, with manager Alex Neil expressing confidence in their 'fairytale' promotion bid.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Millwall Football Club made different choices?