For February 11th I'm going back 37 years to 1984 and Millwall's League Division 3 game against Oxford United.
This was my first ever visit (1 of 2) to The (old) Den which was Millwall's intimidating home ground deep in London's docklands. A few years earlier in 1977 I distinctly recall watching a Panorama documentary (available on YouTube) on football hooliganism and Millwall's trouble makers in particular. Tales of F-Troop, Harry the Dog, Wyvern the Terrible, Halfway Line and Treatment. I'm sure those scumbags revelled in the notoriety that Panorama gave them and that it only encouraged them to make visiting the Den an even more intimidating experience. I therefore approached the ground in trepidation, keeping a low profile and my wits about me. The feeling of nervousness never left me that day and, even today, a visit to Millwall's current home, the New Den, provokes similar feelings. It's not a place for families or women. Millwall followers appear to be disproportionately white and male compared to other clubs, ranging from youths to middle aged men who should know better. Swearing? You can learn a whole new vocabulary and discover new and creative uses for the C-word!
Oxford United, under the management of Jim Smith and supported by Chairman Robert Maxwell's ill-gotten funding were Champions of Division 3 that season. In their side they had the likes of Paul Hinshelwood, Bobby McDonald, John Trewick, Trevor Hebberd, Kevin Brock and Peter Rhoades-Brown. Millwall finished a distant 9th in the days before there were Play-Offs to prolong the interest. But Millwall, under George Graham were on their way and would be promoted the following season. They gave notice of their calibre by beating Oxford 2-1 in this game in front of 4,974.
CRB Match No. 291
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