UK Edition
Millwall's Ryan Leonard aims to write another chapter in his club's rich FA Cup story in quarter-final against Brighton
Fifteen years after he watched Millwall play in an FA Cup final, Ryan Leonard is hoping that the formidable atmosphere at The Den will help carry Neil Harris’ side to Wembley.
Leonard, the Millwall midfielder, was 11 years old when he watched a Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Manchester United defeat a Millwall side that featured Harris as a striker.
“I’m from Plymouth originally so it was only a couple of hours for me to Cardiff,” said Leonard, who became the club’s record signing this season when he arrived from Sheffield United for little more than £1m.
“Obviously I didn’t think 15 years later I would be playing for Millwall in the competition. I went up with my family and I think I stayed over the night before with a few Millwall fans.
“I’m sure they are out there somewhere, they might remember me, I can’t remember them. It was a hell of an experience just to be at the game.”
Victory over Brighton in Sunday’s quarter-final would make for another memorable occasion for a club that has forged such a strong relationship with the FA Cup.
The typically raucous atmosphere at the Den, which so visibly rattled Everton in Millwall’s 3-2 victory in the fourth round, could prove crucial once again.
“Playing here as an away player is horrible,” said Leonard. “Sometimes you can’t actually hear yourself think or hear yourself talk to other players during the game. I think for an away player that probably puts a bit of panic into you.
“For us to try and use that and build on that, to give the fans something to shout about early on in the game, it’s going to be a massive help.”
Millwall have won 31 FA Cup games since 2004, the fifth-best record of any side in the country, and only Southampton have reached more quarter-finals while playing outside the top division.
“If it's anything like the Everton game a couple of weeks ago it's going to be one hell of a game,” said Leonard. “I remember after about 25 minutes looking around and thinking 'Jesus'. It was going off – the crowd was right behind us. If we can give the fans a performance to get behind us, which is the most important thing, it can give us a right chance.”
Harris, who believes that Millwall’s style of play is suited to cup competitions, said that the pressure will be off for his side, who are battling to avoid relegation from the Championship.
“I don’t often miss the games themselves, but there's always one or two a year where you feel 'I'd love to be playing,’” the Millwall manager said. “Sunday will be one of those occasions. You remember the big games. And I say to the players that every big game needs a hero.”