We continue our guide to the League One newcomers by focusing on relegated Millwall.
League One isn't unknown territory for Milwall, with the club last being there in 2010, but just as the club were establishing themselves in the second tier of English football, they suffered relegation after a disappointing campaign last time out. The Lions were five points off survival and finished on a disappointing 41 points. The ever charismatic Ian Holloway was in charge up until March, when he was sacked and replaced by former player Neil Harris. Harris played 380 games for the Lions.Millwall started off the last campaign in promising fashion, winning three out of their opening five games. However, form soon deteriorated and saw Holloway's side only manage to win two games in the rest of the year, form which saw them sliding dangerously towards the bottom of the table. A new year did nothing to change fortunes and wins would continue to be hard to come by. Then a dreadful run, which started with a 1-0 defeat at Leeds and ended with a 4-1 demolition at home to Norwich ultimately cost Holloway his job and Millwall their Championship status.
In terms of reinforcements, Harris hasn't exactly been chomping at the bit to strengthen his current squad. Former Spurs academy player Joe Martin has been brought in, along with former Millwall defender Tony Craig joining from Championship side Brentford. However, with plenty of time left to strengthen, Harris won't be getting too worried at this stage of pre-season.
Just like Caldwell at Wigan, it's a tough ask for a rookie in Harris, especially with the status he has at the Den. A legend at the club, it must have been a dream of his to manage the Lions, but maybe not at this premature stage of his managerial career. There's no doubt that he's been thrown in at the deep end, but being the character that he is, it's a challenge that the former Millwall marksman will be sure to relish.