A chance for Millwall's class of 2026 to match 1988 heroes
They ended the campaign with 83 points - one more than when they won the old Second Division title in 1987-88, albeit that was a 44-game season. And it represents their highest finish since the 1993-94 season, when they also came third in the second tier - then known as Division One - under McCarthy. Having missed out on the play-offs on the final day in two of the previous seasons, it is hard to argue the Lions have not earned it.
This campaign has been built on consistency. Since last returning to the top six with a win over Swansea City on 4 January, they have not fallen below fifth place. And they have only been outside the top six on three occasions since October.
They lead the way in the Championship with the most clean sheets (17) and points picked up away from home (41). All this has been achieved against an unenviable injury list that at one time included every senior midfield player at the club. Millwall's former chairman John Berylson, left, and Matija Sarkic died less than a year apart Promotion marks the ultimate high on a journey that has experienced the most tragic lows in recent years.
In July 2023, owner John Berylson died in a car crash in Cape Cod, aged 70. Less than a year later the sudden death of goalkeeper Matija Sarkic at the age of 26 while on holiday in his native Montenegro in June 2024 was another deep blow to everyone associated with the club. Millwall held a touching tribute to Sarkic at their first game of the 2024-25 season, before taking their quest for a play-off place right to the final day of the campaign.
Camiel Neghli, Josh Coburn, Luke Cundle and Mihailo Ivanovic have all been brought in and had an impact for Millwall Slowly but surely the team has transformed as more new signings have joined the club. Femi Azeez, Tristan Crama, Camiel Neghli, Mihailo Ivanovic, Josh Coburn, Caleb Taylor and Zak Sturge are among those who have been brought in over the past couple of years and become important squad members. The Lions twice broke their own transfer record to sign Neghli from Sparta Rotterdam and Coburn from Middlesbrough.