Millwall currently sit in the last League One play-off place, following a win against Southend yesterday. The club also faces an FA Cup fifth round tie against Leicester next Saturday, after shocks against Bournemouth and Watford in previous rounds.
Things are looking good in South Bermondsey and one man who is always there to witness the ups and downs of his beloved Millwall is YouTuber, Lions TV. Millwall fan Dan Goodwin follows his side up and down the country week in week out, producing content varying from Q&As to away day vlogs along the way. With things on the up at the New Den, we spoke to the man behind the camera about both his channel and all things surrounding Millwall.
What was it that made you decide to start a YouTube channel following your team, Millwall?
“It was when I was working for London Live on their show Jimmy Bullard Kicks Off. I was the show’s writer but had never been on the other side of the camera. A segment of the show was an outside broadcast called ‘fan guide’ and the reporter would visit a different London club every week. People at the show weren’t impressed with what was being produced and someone suggested I had a go at it. I was reluctant at first but after being talked into it, I went to Fulham and did it. It went well and that became my weekly bit.
I’ve also worked for ‘Ball Street’ who have a few fan channels under their umbrella. There wasn’t a Millwall one and this just triggered something in my head. After speaking to my manager about maybe contacting the club to start one he said: ‘No way. Do it independently, borrow a camera if you haven’t got one and start Saturday.’ So that’s exactly what I did.”
With your channel growing and growing, how far do you think you can take it?
“I really believe it can be as big as the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool ones that are in the same category. All clubs say it, but our fans are unique and although we don’t get the crowds, we have a massive following worldwide. Never has that been more evident to me than since I started the channel. I get messages from people in Australia, the USA and have even had one from a Millwall fan in Tasmania!”
With the Lions going well in both league and cup, what are your hopes for the run in to the end of the season?
“The cup’s a lovely distraction and I’m looking forward to Leicester this Saturday but our priority has to be the league.
The gulf between the Championship and League One is getting bigger and we need to be back where we belong sooner rather than later. I honestly believe we have the players to do it and I’m still looking at that top two believing we can do it.”
Steve Morison and Lee Gregory are one of the most lethal partnerships in the Football League. From a fan’s perspective, how good are they and how far can they take Millwall?
“They’re without doubt the best strike force in the league. Last season when we peaked in the play-offs against Bradford, they were devastating.
Greggers has had a few knocks this season, missing a week here and there. Morison was out for five weeks in between then and so unfortunately they haven’t had chance to properly click again yet this season.”
Port Vale are up next in the league but it’s on Saturday when the big game against Leicester comes. With a couple of cup upsets already under your belt this season, do you go into the game as favourites and quietly optimistic of another upset?
“Everything is pointing towards a result for us.
Leicester have been in terrible away form all season and have Sevilla in the Champions League three days after us. I’m expecting them to play an understrength side. Add to that a packed Den which is worth a 1-0 headstart any day of the week. I think a lot of our fans are expecting a win!
Having said that, I’d take two wins over Port Vale and Chesterfield instead of a win against Leicester.”
So, what are your favourite and least favourite away trips in League One?
“I’ve got to say it, I love Bradford as an away day. I love their ground. It’s a real old school English stadium, which is unfortunately a dying thing nowadays!
As for the worst, I will go with a recent experience, Coventry. The Ricoh’s a nice stadium but there’s no atmosphere. They’ve had the soul sucked out of their club by foreign investors and I genuinely feel for their fans.”
And finally, who do you think will get promoted and relegated from League One come the end of the season? Are your beloved Lions on the list?
“Relegated will be Coventry definitely, along with probably Bury, Chesterfield and Gillingham. As for promotion, I’ll go Sheffield United, Bolton and of course, us!”
To see all of Dan’s videos on YouTube, visit Lions TV and keep up to date with him on Twitter @tv_lions.
