Lions on the verge of history

Last updated : 05 March 2004 By Neil Andrews
Wisey
The last time Millwall reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup, they made a little bit of history by coming the first team from outside the top two divisions to reach the last four. Since that epic cup run, which saw The Lions knock out then First Division powerhouses Derby County and Manchester City, Millwall's cup pedigree has been poor to say the least.

Quarter Final appearances in 1978 and 1985 both ended in disgrace so Millwall boss Dennis Wise is hoping his revitalised team will erase those memroies and finally bring a little bit of glory to The Den.

Lions' chairman Theo Paphitis is in little doubt that Wise is the main reason why the team have performed so well since the start of the year.

Paphitis made Wise his player-manager in October after Mark McGhee was sacked and on Sunday they face Tranmere in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

"I had no doubts Dennis could do it. He doesn't like to lose," Paphitis said. "He's a winner and there was no way he was going to fail. Thankfully he's realised that as well. He's totally infectious and he motivates people."

Theo has even gone so far as to tip Millwall for the Cup.

"It's what you dream about and it puts all the difficult times into perspective. But the FA Cup is the best tournament in the world and we want to try and go all the way."

The Lions start as favourites on Sunday against a Tranmere side that has only won four away games all season. Their cause hasn't been helped by the fact that goalkeeper John Achterberg is struggling with an injury. But no one at The Den is underestimating their opposition. This is the FA Cup after all and bigger fish have been known to fall - one of their away wins was against Premiership Bolton Wanderers.

"Tranmere have got a great reputation for being cup giant-killers in recent years and will be difficult to beat," said Millwall midfielder Paul Ifill.

"But at this stage of the competition all you fancy is being at home against a side from the same division or lower. If we can reach the FA Cup semi-finals it will help us in the league because everyone will be fighting for their places in the team."