Tim Cahill will get a warm welcome at Millwall but little sympathy if he doesn’t deliver
TIM Cahill’s emotional return to Millwall is a ‘win-win’ for player and club but the notorious Den faithful will demand he delivers, insists former teammate Sam Parkin.
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TIM Cahill’s emotional return to Millwall is a “win-win” for player and club, but the notorious Den faithful will demand he delivers, insists a former teammate who made his debut alongside the Australian in South London.
Cahill will enjoy a warm welcome from the club’s supporters ahead of Wednesday morning’s Championship clash with Derby County (AEDT), but then it’s down to business.
Once the “welcome home” is over, you better justify your place at The Den, says former Millwall striker Sam Parkin.
Cahill, 38, will start with huge credit in the bank with the fans, due to past achievements in Bermondsey. Cahill scored 57 goals in 251 games for Millwall from 1998-2004, including the winning goal against Sunderland in the 2004 FA Cup semi-final.
The 2000-01 season was a memorable one for the Lions as they stormed to the League One (third-tier) title in a campaign in which Cahill played a pivotal role.
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Parkin made his senior bow in September 2000 in a Millwall side, featuring Cahill, that thrashed Oxford United 5-0. Parkin scored twice, with Neil Harris, who is now the Millwall manager, grabbing a hat-trick. Burnley’s well-regarded manager Sean Dyche was on the Millwall subs’ bench that day.
Parkin, now a London-based journalist who regularly covers Millwall’s fortunes, hailed Cahill’s impact during his first spell with the Lions and believes the Australian still has plenty to offer the mid-table club.
“I was a young lad on loan from Chelsea and I think Tim set up my second goal against Oxford that day,” he said. “Obviously it was a dream start for me.
“Then in my second match for the club, against Peterborough, Tim scored one of those headers he is so well known for.
“I can’t think of another midfielder who has that ability to arrive in the box as he does and get on the end of those chances, getting up and tucking away those headers. Perhaps just (former Chelsea star) Gus Poyet was the other.”
Training and playing alongside him, Parkin said he appreciated Cahill’s fitness and ability — and the confidence that gave him.
“Some might have perceived that confidence as brashness, but he just knew what he wanted to do and had the drive to achieve it.
“I wasn’t surprised in the slightest to see him go on to Everton and enjoy the top-level career he has,” said Parkin, 36, who, after coming through the ranks with pal John Terry at Stamford Bridge, made a name for himself as a striker at third-tier Swindon Town before a stint in the Championship with Ipswich Town.
“Millwall has been good for a couple of Aussies as Lucas Neill was also there during my time.”
Neill went on to long spells with Blackburn and West Ham, then Everton and top Turkish club Galatasaray, as well as playing and captaining his country.
🗣#TheReturn to #Millwall is an emotional moment for @Tim_Cahill...
— Millwall FC (@MillwallFC) January 29, 2018
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Parkin is adamant Cahill’s return to Millwall is not a case of pure sentiment.
“I honestly think this is a win-win,” said Parkin.
Parkin feels the Lions side will be able to effectively accommodate Cahill.
“Tim played alongside current Millwall boss Neil Harris and his assistant Dave Livermore,” he said. “They know what he’s all about and vice versa.
“They wouldn’t sign a player who isn’t going to offer them something. For me, it’s a good move for both parties.
“A player who can produce goals from midfield or act as that extra striker, it’s so valuable to a team.
“I’m sure Millwall will welcome that attacking boost Tim will bring.
“The fans will welcome him back, but there’s also an expectation on him to perform. He has to deliver for them.
“I know other Championship clubs wanted Tim (Queens Park Rangers, Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City were also in the mix) but Millwall just seems to be right.”
Parkin said Cahill’s desire to play more football ahead of the World Cup was good news for the Lions.
“Tim will want to make sure he impresses the new Australian coach and be on the plane to the World Cup,” he said. “He will have the chance to get those crucial games under his belt that he needs.
“And hopefully he gets in that (Socceroos) squad, and whether starting or coming off the bench, you know he has that ability to make an impact.”