Lacklustre display leaves travelling fans cold

By Suzanne Roberts-Attwood on April 26, 2007 12:00 AM |

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THEY say 'it's grim up north' and for the 350 faithful Lions fans that travelled to Huddersfield on Saturday, not only was it grim, but downright frustrating.
We watched a match that we were certain Millwall would win comfortably turn into a disappointment that we hadn't felt for sometime, with us losing 4-2 to a team that were below us in the league table.
I can't blame individual players for a poor pitch performance, nor can I justify the result by saying Huddersfield were the better team. I can, however, cite the nonchalant attitude so evidently displayed by the Lions for the overall lacklustre display that left us feeling more than disgruntled.

Indeed, at one stage it did look as though a victory was within our reach, but it seemed as though, rather than 'upping their game' to secure our three points, the team's spirit disappeared and the commitment to winning that we have witnessed of late was definitely absent. OK, so we aren't going to make the play-offs, but we still should be pushing to win every game, gain the points and to finish the season as high up the table as possible.
The Terriers fans chanted 'four two, and a long way home' - and it certainly was!
While I'm in this state of frustration, there's something else I'd like to get off my chest.
Two weeks ago at The Den, we held the annual Kick Out Racism day, which I consider to be an excellent and worthwhile event, encouraging members of our community to attend and enjoy the beautiful game, whatever their ethnicity.
Last month, pubs all over the UK were packed with revellers adorned in shamrocks and leprechaun outfits celebrating St Patrick's Day. I was even sent a Happy St Patrick's Day card, although I don't have an Irish bone in my body.
On Monday, the Millwall Supporters Club hosted a highly enjoyable St George's Day Quiz at The Den, attended by supporters and Directors alike, celebrating the patron saint of our country. It was my responsibility to purchase all the paraphernalia to decorate the venue and to purchase 'St George Inspired' raffle prizes - a simple task you may think, but it proved to be a nightmare.
Numerous high street retailers told me they weren't stocking St George's Day items, yet they were blatantly advertising and selling St Patrick's Day goods just a month ago.
Thankfully, the club came to my rescue with the red and white flags, hats and bunting, all of which had been sent from, guess where? A SCOTTISH brewery!
Sadly, it seems that in a society where we are so keen to be seen to be respecting and supporting the multi-ethnic culture, we have forgotten one thing - that we can still be proud to be English.
It's political correctness gone mad.
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