Give Powel a chance

Last updated : 12 April 2006 By Charlie Roper
Berry Powel
Powel: Fans backing
Visitors to Millwall Mad have voted overwhelmingly in favour of Dutch striker Berry Powel in his on-going dispute with manager David Tuttle.

Powel hasn't featured in the starting line-up in nearly two months and was only included in Saturday's first-team squad because of injuries to Barry Hayles and Marvin Williams.

But over 87% of Millwall Mad's readers believe that the striker, signed during the transfer window from FC Den Bosch, should be given a chance to prove himself in an online poll.

The 25-year-old made an immediate impact on his debut, scoring within three minutes of coming on as a substitute, but has hardly figured since Hayles and Carl Asaba returned to full fitness, fuelling rumours that the manager has a clique of favourites within the first team.

In an interview with the Evening Standard back in March Powel made his feelings known.

"Even if I score three goals in the reserves I am sure I won't get picked for the first team squad," he declared. "This is a situation I can't fight against".

Ironically, he may get may now get his chance. With Hayles ruled out for the rest of the season and a question mark still hanging over Asaba, Tuttle may have his hand forced and select Powel.

Even then, many feel that this will be too little, too late and that Powel could've have been the player to fire The Lions to safety.