What is said in Millwall’s pre-match huddle? You might be surprised at the answer

By Richard Cawley

When Millwall head into the pre-match huddle at Leeds United on Saturday, Steve Morison is likely to keep his pep talk brief.

The Lions striker is set to take on the responsibility – as he has done for nearly all the campaign with club captain Tony Craig barely featuring in Championship fixtures.

And Morison has revealed it is not always a serious moment.

“Last year we used to sing songs in there,” he said. “When we were going for promotion a couple of years ago when TC was injured it was Don’t Stop Believin’. I’d start and everyone would join in. It was quite comical.

“Then when we were on a good run we’d sing All I Do Is Win.

“TC did it last season and he is a bit more serious. He talks quite a lot in there, maybe to pump himself up. I keep it quite relaxed and jokey, which is how I am.

“Contrary to belief that I’m a miserable git, don’t talk to people and I’m annoyed all the time – I’m quite the opposite.

“This season I have kept it simple. On Saturday against Preston I just said ‘we’ve got one job to do – win’ and then walked away.

“Sometimes you will take the mick. Someone’s missus came to their first game the other week and I said ‘we need to do it for X, do it for Y and for her.”

Lions midfielder Ben Thompson posted a video of Morison smiling at the end of 2017.

“We were at a service station and Thommo reckoned he had topped the year off getting that,” said the forward. “I smile quite a lot – but on a football pitch it’s kind of work. Who sits at work smiling all day? I enjoy myself. It’s quite funny that I have that reputation.”

Morison will not restrain himself if he scores against his former club this weekend.

The 34-year-old had gone 24 Championship games without a goal before he opened his account for the campaign in the 1-0 win over QPR on December 29.

He followed up with a superb long-range volley at Norwich City, another of his old teams.

“Of course I would celebrate if I scored at Leeds. I don’t understand not celebrating a goal.

“For any footballer to score a goal – whether you are a keeper, defender, midfielder or striker – is the best feeling for most footballers.

“I think there is a limit. You don’t do what Emmanuel Adebayor did a few years ago and run the length of the pitch to celebrate.”