Millwall has established itself as a steady presence in the EFL Championship since their 2017 promotion from League One, following a play-off final victory. The Lions, based in South London, have consistently adapted to the challenges of the second tier, narrowly missing out on the Championship play-offs on several occasions.
In their initial 2017/18 season back in the Championship, Millwall made an impressive start, finishing just three points short of a play-off position after previously spending two seasons in League One. The following 2018/19 campaign, however, presented new challenges as the Lions narrowly avoided relegation, staying up by only four points. Since then, Millwall has solidified their place as a regular mid-table team, often coming close to the play-offs, including a narrow miss in the 2022/23 season, where they were just a point away from the top six.
One player who has been instrumental in Millwall’s efforts is Northern Ireland international George Saville. Saville first joined Millwall in February 2013 on loan from Chelsea, during a campaign that saw the Lions avoid relegation by only two points and reach the FA Cup semi-finals under manager Kenny Jackett. Although he didn’t participate in the cup run, Saville’s contributions hinted at the promising connection he would eventually develop with the Lions.
After a brief spell at Brentford, where he made 40 appearances in League One, Saville joined Wolves on a permanent deal in 2014. His tenure at Wolves included loan stints at Bristol City and a return to Millwall for the 2015/16 season, where he contributed with 12 League One appearances. Saville soon became a regular in the Wolves squad, making 24 appearances in the 2016/17 season, before Nuno Espirito Santo’s arrival and significant new signings shifted his career trajectory.
Recognizing his potential, Millwall seized the opportunity to sign Saville on a permanent basis in 2017. His return marked a career-best season, with 10 goals across 44 Championship games, bringing Millwall within three points of a play-off place. This standout performance captured the attention of Middlesbrough, who signed him in 2018 on a £7 million loan-to-buy deal.
During his time at Middlesbrough, Saville solidified his reputation, playing over 100 matches and contributing significantly to Boro’s 2020/21 season, where he scored six goals and made four assists. Following his time in the North East, Saville returned to Millwall in 2021 and has since been an essential part of their midfield. To date, he has made over 200 appearances for Millwall, delivering both experience and stability.
While the financial benefit of the initial £7 million transfer to Middlesbrough was substantial, Saville’s long-term value has proven invaluable to Millwall’s aspirations. His consistent presence highlights his role as a linchpin in the team’s success and embodies the spirit and resilience that the Lions have come to represent in their Championship journey.
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