Gary Rowett upset Millwall could not follow John Berylson tributes with a win

Posted Sunday, August 13, 2023 by PA

Millwall manager Gary Rowett was especially disappointed with his side’s 1-0 defeat at home to Bristol City as it came on the day the club paid tribute to late chairman John Berylson.

This was the Lions’ first home league match of the season and those in attendance paid their respects to American Berylson, who died in July aged 70 having taken over the club in 2007.

The home side proudly wore T-shirts with Berylson’s face printed on the front during their warm-up, while American flags were unfurled in the Dockers Stand and wreaths were laid behind each goal by the captains.

On the pitch, though, Matty James’ strike four minutes into stoppage time ensured it was the Robins who came away with all three points, with Rowett upset that the team could not produce a performance to match the occasion.

He said: “The tribute to John was absolutely wonderful. His family being here was all the more special. The minute’s applause was immaculately done by both sets of fans. The atmosphere was brilliant.

“It’s particularly disappointing because – I’m a manager, you feel responsible – John’s family were here and you want them to have a positive experience at a game like this.

“We lacked energy, a little bit of spark. I thought it was a nothing game. It was a game that looked destined to fizzle out.

“We didn’t play with enough zip, energy, we are at home and have to make the running, get on the front foot. At times it felt soft, we haven’t really put our marker on the game physically.

“I expect the players to drive it a little bit more on the pitch – I think at times we need to show more determination. I felt we were waiting to show quality. I thought we were a little bit wasteful on the ball.

“We’ll have to lick our wounds.”

Bristol City had to wait until the final stages to break the deadlock, but came away with three points in their first game since selling Alex Scott to Bournemouth.

It was fitting that his midfield partner James was the man to clinch all three points, finding the bottom corner after a long throw-in.

But while that goal was fairly direct, manager Nigel Pearson explained that the plan had been to make Millwall run as much as possible.

“We are a side that are capable of out-running teams,” Pearson said. “We wanted this to be a running game. Their three centre-backs are not as mobile as our forwards. We wanted to stretch them.

“Our energy levels were great. I thought we were always dangerous. What gets results like this is the psychological aspects of dealing with situations.

“We dealt with their set plays well. That hasn’t always been the case for us. We’ve worked hard over the last two seasons to put that right.

“We have to be consistently good. That’s where the growth of the side will be measured this season.

“We dealt with what is an important occasion for Millwall – it’s important to be a part of that and show respect but be professional too.

“I thought we were positive from the start until the end. I think we thoroughly deserved to win the game. It’s a tough place to come. We were quite accomplished.”