- Millwall's lack of parachute payments puts them at a disadvantage compared to other clubs, according to Ian Holloway.
- Gary Rowett did a great job as manager, but without the financial resources of other clubs, Millwall were stretched beyond their means.
- Competition in the Championship for promotion places will prevent Rowett from leading Millwall into the play-offs this season.
Ian Holloway believes Millwall's lack of parachute payments puts them at a disadvantage compared to other clubs, Football League World exclusively claims.
The Lions have done well under Gary Rowett but have come close in recent seasons but failed to secure a play-off spot.
After the end of the 2021/22 season and Jade Wallace's move to West Bromwich Albion last year, it looked like they would struggle to secure a place in the top half given how reliant they were on Wallace.
But the late John Berylson backed Rowett in the transfer market for Gian Fleming, who proved a real asset at The Den last season.
The Dutchman scored 15 goals in 43 league games in 2022/23, not only after scoring regularly last season but establishing himself as a reliable player who avoided injury and almost led the Lions to promotion.
However, they failed to finish in the top six after Blackburn Rovers secured a 4-3 win at The Den on the final day of the campaign.
Holloway has nothing but good things to say about Rowett and believes the coach will be a great asset to the Lions.
However, according to the former boss, the real problem for them is the lack of parachute payments.
He told FLW: "I thought [Rowet] was absolutely brilliant. I think he's the perfect character for this football team."
“And I think it's going to be tough for him if he beats one of the best owners in the game, John Berilson. God rest in peace, what an amazing man, an absolutely amazing man."
"He epitomized patience and calmness in his area and will be sorely missed. And unfortunately for Gary Rowett, it all ended horribly last season. They started the playoffs last and were out of the playoffs. It was a hard hit, but I I think he did a good job.
"They don't have the same funds as other clubs and they've really gone through the roof, so Millwall are a big club, they could be a big club, but without this parachute payment they're unfortunately nowhere near as big as Millwall." Others are very important today."
Could Millwall's lack of parachute payments be used as an excuse?
Rowett have been well supported in recent seasons, but should we expect them to make the play-offs?
Maybe not, which is why Holloway makes such an important point.
They are likely to be at the top of the table for most of the season, along with Leicester City, Leeds United and Southampton, all three of whom were recently relegated from the Premier League.
Coventry City can draw with Middlesbrough despite Boro's slow start to the season.
Sunderland could be there too given how promising they have been since their return to the Championship.
Rowett has done a good job for most of his time at The Den, but he could struggle to lead this side into the play-offs given the competition for a promotion place at the end of this spell.
Saiba than anything else
