Millwall v Hartlepool

Hartlepool United look to bounce back as they face struggling Millwall at the New Den

Match Preview

Millwall are without a manager but will be led by former Pools assistant Colin West for the early kick off tomorrow.

West was assistant to Chris Turner between 1999 and 2003 and he admitted he still has a soft spot for Pools ‘I still look out for Hartlepool’s results because I had a great time there.’ he told the official site.

He admitted that the team have played well under Danny Wilson and they will pose a big threat this weekend ‘I know the style of football that Chris and I introduced at the Club but I understand that Danny has come in and taken that to the next level really.

‘He likes his teams to get the ball down, pass it around and play in the right way so we’ll be ready and focused on that at the weekend and hopefully it will be a good game to watch.’

Danny Wilson hopes to capitalise on Millwall’s poor form this weekend ‘There is a little bit of uncertainty in the air at Millwall at this current time and hopefully we’ll be able to take advantage of that on Saturday.’

Wilson admits that November is a big month for his side and he wants some decent results ‘There is a lot of traveling to be done by the players and the fans so we’ll be delighted with any support we get away from home during the next month.

‘It is a stern test for the lads but it doesn’t faze us – if we can keep a clean bill of health then I’m confident we can pick up some good results.’

Millwall Team News:

Millwall are without several players, Chris Hackett has suffered a serious knee while Danny Spiller, Dave Brammer, Ryan Smith have not recovered from recent operations.

Tom Brighton is still lacking fitness while Danny Senda, Neil Harris, Andy Frampton and Lenny Pidgeley have all picked up recent knocks and could miss the game.

Millwall have signed Brian Hodge from Blackburn who goes straight into the squad tomorrow and Ben May has been recalled from a loan at Scunthorpe.

Player to watch: Ahmet Brkovic

Brkovic joined the Lions on loan from Luton last week and scored on his debut againts Leeds. The midfielder is capable of finding a great pass and scoring goals.

Hartlepool Team News:

Danny Coles has left the club this week to join Bristol Rovers while Ian Moore has completed his one match ban and is available for selection.

Jamie McCunnie is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season last weekend. Also missing is Willie Boland, he is suspended for 3 games following his red card against Brighton.

Player to watch: Andy Monkhouse

Monkhouse has been out of the team recently but looked bright after he was brought on last weekend. He should start and i think he’ll have some joy against the Millwall back line.

Match Facts & Stats

The last meeting between the sides was 8 years ago when Pools beat Millwall 1-0 at Victoria Park in an FA Cup tie. Apart from that game we have not faced Millwall in over 40 years.

Match Prediction:

Despite their position it’ll be a tough game against Millwall but i’m confident about our chances.



Danny Coles has gone while Wilson will be forced to freshen up the midfield. My one worry is that Ali Gibb will play right back, he has looked poor in the games so far and i’d much rather see Antwi or Barron there.

Millwall 1-2 Hartlepool

Next Fixtures:

Hartlepool face a trip to Huddersfield on Tuesday night before the FA Cup game against Gainsborough Trinity next Sunday.