(Millwall FC) - The Den - Archie's Football Grounds of London

Welcome back to Stadium Hotdog.
This series, Archie’s Football grounds of London, will be based on the Scottish engineer Archibald Leitch and how pivotal his football grounds were to the development, histories as well as identities of the football clubs that he worked with during the early twentieth century.
#millwall #millwallfc #footballhistory

[@cuibono6872]

Most intimidating ground I have ever been to, even the hot dog vendors were hostile.

[@malthusXIII-fo3ep]

Aston Villa played there six times between 1967 and 1975. Hundreds of rough, tough working class travelled there ready for the battle. Fighting mad, they knew how to dish it out.

[@zgaryhall]

First went in early 1960s and yes it was a pretty intimidating place. I always tried to stay away from the trouble but somehow it seemed to follow me. Cardiff game late 60s and Man utd in the 70s when they got relegated were particular ones I remember being in. And exiting as quickly as possible. Thanks for the memories 😅👍COYL

[@TomTom-so6hc]

As a Chelsea fan I never enjoyed going there, for one game we met Chelsea fans leaving the Den before kick off , saying to us , don't bother going , it's murder in there ! Still went and kept quiet !

[@Isleofskye]

Thanks for this. There's no comparison in atmosphere between the 95% working class OLD Den fans who, mostly, chose to stand and were able to support their team on all 4 sides of the stadium(3 sides: Standing and 1 side seated). They were right on top of the pitch and you could move, freely, around and, initially, changed ends or, at least, move along one side of the terracing, depending on which goal Millwall was kicking into. The serried ranks of supporters created a passionate and warm(literally) atmosphere but now we have to sit down and it can get really cold in the height of Winter and no moving around. Our Home record since 1993 has suffered accordingly. I have just Subscribed:)

[@StadiumHotdogTV]

Many thanks @isleofskye. That’s what it should all be about: the match day experience and connect that fans have with their clubs. Glad you liked the video. Have a good Christmas and new year. 🎄

[@Isleofskye]

@@StadiumHotdogTV Thanks, My Friend. Seasons Greetings to you, as well.:)

[@TomTom-so6hc]

Hi mate, I'm Chelsea but used to go to the Den with Millwall mates for the odd game. The fans were certainly loud and passionate , but you lot used to give some awful stick to your own players sometimes. I went there when you were on that long unbeaten home run, I think you were in the old 3rd or 4th division back then ..The South London Press used to feature your Chairman Mickey Purser's ( is that right?)car showroom being smashed up by fans when they had the hump with him ! Have a great New Year , take care

[@Isleofskye]

@@TomTom-so6hc Hello Mate. The unbeaten run started in the 4th. After Promotion, it continued through the 3rd Division, and after another Promotion, it went against Plymouth Argyle while we were in The Second Division. You are right his shack which became a large seller of Volkswagons has the local Main Dealership and nicking our money enabling him to upgrade from the shack to a large Showroom. I remember being on a bus after the game and seeing an angry mob marching towards it because we drew. lol He was Micky Purser and it was called "Micky F.C. Purser".. Have a lovely New Year mate to you and yours.

[@historyoffootball87]

One of my most popular videos ever was on the Old Den.

[@PHDiaz-vv7yo]

Plough Lane next? Was that an Archie Leitch job?

[@StadiumHotdogTV]

I dont't think it was. Excluding the grounds I've mentioned in this series Leitch designed other sporting stadiums in London such as: Twickenham and the West Ham Stadium (Greyhound & Speedway: not to get confused with the Hammers). Down the line I'll give more time and revisit Leitch's other grounds across the country. There's quite a CV that's for sure!

[@StadiumHotdogTV]

I will most definitely do a seperate video down the line on Plough Lane and AFC Wimbledon's return to the ground too.