View From The Town End: Millwall

Millwall fan Mark Dillion gives us his views ahead of Reading’s trip to the New Den tonight.

How's the season gone so far?

So far we’ve started as well as can be expected, however performances haven’t always got the results we’ve deserved. We could easily be top 8 with no complaints but with performances as they are people are happy.

How are the issues surrounding the land around the stadium? Does the club's future feel secure?

The situation is still continually in the background. Lewisham Mayoral elections are due soon, with the Labour candidate and therefore likely winner being very non-committal to their stance. The public enquiry scope is incredibly narrow and we’ve just lost a FoI case attempting to get the agreed purchase price. So far it looks like a tactical withdrawal until the media attention and backlash subsides.

Any good or bad memories of games against Reading?

The late 90s/early 00s obviously has a lot of memories as that ongoing battle between the likes of us, you, Wigan and Stoke went backwards and forwards. The 4-3 we nearly managed to throw away from 4-0 up at your place is obviously a highlight, especially for the appearance of the ‘legend’ that is Ricky Newman. Getting smashed 5-0 by you early in the season setting the tone for us to go back down on the other side of the coin.

Who should we be wary of tonight?

My preseason amble for The Tilehurst End spoke of the need for Fred Onyedinma to step up. He’s getting the chance to do so with Lee Gregory’s suspension. Against Leeds he was superb, against Preston pretty anonymous. Hopefully he’ll go back to Leeds form today.

Anyone in the Reading squad that's impressed you?

I’ve always liked the squad composition at Reading, something that has always been consistent. While there has generally been a focal point striker going back to Cureton it’s always been on a solid if unspectacular base. Yann Kermorgant being injured is a huge benefit to us after he showed his class again last season. But that solid experienced back 5 being managed by Jaap Stam will come good even if results haven’t been great so far this season. I thought Bacuna was an unfortunate part of the disaster that is Villa. If he features tonight hopefully he’s kept quiet.

Score prediction?

I’ll take a comfortable 3-0 if offered. We’ll probably make hard work of a 1-0 win though.

Finally, any advice for fans making the trip

Don’t believe the hype