Millwall's 2026 class eyes historic Premier League return

Millwall finished third in the Championship, setting up a playoff semi-final against Hull City with a chance to earn promotion to the Premier League.

Playoff dreams within reach Alex Neil’s Millwall side believes it can overcome any Championship opponent as they stand on the edge of a historic promotion. With a third-place finish in the league, the Lions secured a playoff spot just one point behind second-placed Ipswich Town. A two-legged tie against sixth-placed Hull City begins with an away match on Friday, followed by a potential final against Southampton or Middlesbrough for a Premier League berth. 'We're really confident in what we're doing, I think we believe more importantly that we're capable of going anywhere and winning games,' Millwall head coach Neil told BBC Radio London. ## Awaiting a 36-year top-flight return A successful playoff run would end a 36-year absence from England’s top tier, a period filled with relegations, promotions, and heartbreak. The last time Millwall reached the Premier League was in 1988, when John Docherty’s side achieved promotion. Since then, the club has endured multiple relegations, including a drop to League One in 1995-96, before clawing its way back through titles and playoffs. ## Decades of highs and lows After slipping from the top flight in 1989-90, Millwall twice fought for promotion under Bruce Rioch and Mick McCarthy but fell short in the playoffs. A brief resurgence in 2000-01 saw them claim the Division Two title, though another playoff semi-final defeat followed at the hands of Birmingham City. The 2003-04 season brought an unexpected FA Cup run, culminating in a final loss to Manchester United in Cardiff, where Cristiano Ronaldo scored for the Red Devils in a 3-0 victory. ## Recent playoff triumphs and cup heroics Millwall returned to League One twice and secured back-to-back promotions via the playoffs. A dramatic 2016-17 final at Wembley saw Steve Morison’s late winner lift the side past Bradford City. The club’s most recent high came in 2024-25, as they fought for a playoff spot until the final day of the campaign. The journey included a touching tribute to late goalkeeper Matija Sarkic before the season’s conclusion. ## Defensive strength and away exploits This season has been defined by consistency and resilience, with Millwall earning 83 points—one more than their 1987-88 title-winning campaign in a shorter 42-game season. Their highest finish since 1993-94, a third-place finish in the second tier, underscores their progress. The Lions have maintained a top-six position since January and spent only three weeks outside it since October. They lead the Championship in clean sheets (17) and away points (41), despite enduring a severe injury crisis that depleted their midfield options. ## Tragedy and resilience shape the season The club’s path has been marked by profound tragedy alongside on-field success. In July 2023, owner John Berylson died in a car crash in Cape Cod at age 70. Less than a year later, goalkeeper Matija Sarkic passed away suddenly at 26 while on holiday in Montenegro. Millwall honored Sarkic before their first match of the 2024-25 season, dedicating their playoff push to his memory. ## Smart transfers fuel progress A shift in recruitment strategy has transformed the squad, with new signings integrating seamlessly into the team. Femi Azeez, Tristan Crama, Camiel Neghli, Mihailo Ivanovic, Josh Coburn, Caleb Taylor, and Zak Sturge have all become key players. Millwall twice broke their transfer record to sign Neghli from Sparta Rotterdam and Coburn from Middlesbrough. Crama’s versatility as a center-back or right-back and Neghli’s adaptability across multiple roles have been vital. ## Savvy exits boost financial stability The Lions have also excelled in player sales, turning profits on Japhet Tanganga and Zian Flemming, who moved to Sheffield United and Burnley respectively. Academy graduate Romain Esse was sold to Crystal Palace for an initial £12m fee last year. 'This football club has really evolved with the way they play the transfer game. They were late to the party in terms of smart recruitment,' said Aaron Paul, presenter of BBC Radio 5 Live’s EFL podcast 72+. James Berylson, son of the late owner, has driven the club’s ambitious recruitment approach. ## Neil’s blueprint for promotion Alex Neil has built a competitive squad capable of mounting a serious promotion drive, drawing on his experience winning promotions with Hamilton Academical, Norwich City, and Sunderland. After a turbulent period under Joe Edwards, Neil’s arrival restored stability and calm. His tactical approach has the Lions playing best as underdogs, a trait linked to the club’s working-class origins in the Isle of Dogs docks in the 1880s. ## Aiming for Millwall immortality A playoff success would place Neil among Millwall’s legendary figures like Harry Cripps, Barry Kitchener, and Neil Harris. His message to the players is clear: 'Do not have any regrets, don’t have any fear, there's nothing to be scared of. If we get our best shot and we’re not quite there on the day, then at least we can look ourselves in the mirror and live with that.' ## Playoff clash with Hull City begins Friday Millwall kicks off their playoff campaign against Hull City at 20:00 BST on Friday, 8 May. The match will be available on BBC Local Radio and via live text coverage on the BBC Sport website and app. Fans can follow all Millwall news, analysis, and fan perspectives through the club’s digital platforms.