Fresh from unleashing his debut solo album Distraction Pieces on his own Speech Development label, Scroobius Pip is now in the midst of his twenty-two date debut solo tour of the UK and Ireland (dates here). Football Burp carved a small chunk out of Pip’s hectic schedule to discuss his beloved Millwall FC in the wake of their shock 3-0 win at supposed promotion candidates Leicester City – a result which eventually did for Sven-Goran Eriksson’s time there – and before the Lions’ 4-1 dismantling of Ipswich Town at the New Den on Saturday…
Did you manage to see any of the 3-0 win at Leicester? You must be pretty buzzing about that!
I was watching the score come in gradually from home and then I caught the highlights! Yeah it was a great result. A long time coming for us though. At the first home game of the season I thought our squad looked like one of the strongest we have had but a few injuries have given us a tough start. Onwards and upwards though!
Five goals in three games for Darius Henderson. Goals aside, do you like what he brings to the team?
He is just a strong presence. Goals or not he makes the other team aware of him for the whole game which free’s other players up a bit. Too be honest, whilst I think he is great, I didnt think he was all we were missing in that goal less run we had but I’m more than happy to be proved wrong. Basically we have a lot of potential talent coming through and someone like Darius is perfect to add that experience and proven quality which will help them all improve and gain confidence.
Is 4-4-2 the way to go from now on?
Yeah I think it may well be. We have a few options that can partner Darius and rotate when theyre all fit (Marquis, Simpson, McCloud) so I definately think its a system that can work.
Have any of the other new boys impressed you? Would you like to see Brian Howard and/or Jay Simpson signed permanently?
Well Jay Simpson looked great last time he was here so yeah. I havent really caught much of Howard yet (tours keep me away from the Den) but what I have heard sounds great. In that first game I thought Bouazza looked like he will build and build since we took him on perminantly. I just think we have so many great prospects going forward really.
What do you think of the job Kenny Jackett’s doing?
I think he has done and is doing amazing things at Millwall. He has been building this squad brilliantly for years now. I hope we keep hold of him for many years to come.
What are your expectations for this season?
Well we have had a rough start but I really think we have a quality squad so we certainly shouldnt be in any relegation battles. Its one of the toughest and tightest Championships that we have been involved in but I think we could once again push to finish around the play offs.
Were you gutted to see Neil Harris leave in the summer?
Nah I think he wanted the move and he has earned it! He has been amazing for us but he is getting on now and the Championship is a hard division to cut it in so I think it was best for everyone. And Southend is just down the road from me so he hasnt gone too far!
Have you ever met legendary Millwall supporter Danny Baker? Or indeed any other celebrity fans?
I’ve never met Danny Baker no. He used to eat in the same cafe that we would go in prematch but I never chatted to him. Millwall fans are hard to find in this business so I havent met too many!
Do you get down to the New Den often? Could you name the first, best and worst matches you’ve ever been to?
I get down when I can. Made it to about 12 games last season and been to 3 or 4 so far this season. I cant think of my first game as I started going around the age of 5 or 6 so I probably wasn’t paying too much attention (and instead just looking forward to the half time entertainment in the family enclosure at the old den) but I remember going to Anfield when we came away with a draw BUT we scored first. Little old Millwall leading against world beaters Liverpool at Anfield was a memorable one.
As for worst, the one that instantly jumps to mind is Scunthorpe in the play off finals the season before we came up. To be leading and dominating for so much of the game and then have it all fall apart (and not even end up going to extra time) was heart breaking. Very quiet drive home. Thats just made me remember beating Sunderland in the FA Cup semi final at Old Trafford. THAT was a great drive home…
Finally, if you had to select a five-a-side team out of all the Millwall players you’ve seen in your time as a fan, who would you go for?
Kasey Keller
Ben Thatcher Terry Hurlock
Tim Cahil Alex Rae
Teddy Sheringham OR Neil Harris (dont make me chose…)
Scroobius Pip, thank you.
Click here to read Scroobius Pip discussing his new album with Rocksucker
Scroobius Pip’s debut album Distraction Pieces is out now on Speech Development Records. For more information and a list of live dates, please visit scroobiuspip.co.uk