Millwall’s 5 Greatest Players of All Time

Founded in 1885 as Millwall Rovers, the Lions have come a long way since and despite some of the lows, have had plenty of highs in recent decades.

These highs have seen plenty of talent at The Den, from your no-nonsense centre-backs to clatter into the opposition, to your goal scoring forwards that saw the club climb to the very top.

Whether they be fan favourites or just outright club legends, plenty of players created many memories for Millwall supporters over the years.

But, who makes the top 5 as the greatest Millwall players of all time?

5. Teddy Sheringham (1983 – 1991)

Joining the club at the age of 16, after impressing the scouts during a non-league game, Teddy was quickly signed up to the Lions and made his debut at just 17.

After a few loans out, Sheringham became the first-choice striker in the 1986-87 season and formed a formidable partnership with Tony Cascarino.

The following season saw Millwall promoted to the First Division for the first time in their history, and Sheringham continued his goal scoring form in the top-flight.

Despite relegation a few years later, the striker remained at the club and scored an astonishing 37 goals – breaking all of the club’s goal scoring records in the process.

Sheringham was Millwall’s all-time leading goal scorer up until 2009 and is still fondly remembered at the club in one of their most successful periods.

4. Keith Stevens (1980 – 1999)

Keith Stevens’ Millwall career didn’t exactly get off to the best of starts.

As a 16-year-old, the defender scored an own goal against Oxford United, which ultimately cost them the points.

However, the “Rhino”, as nicknamed by his teammates, didn’t let that set him back and went on to become one of the club’s most capped players of all-time.

Known for his fearless tackling, he epitomised what it was like to be Millwall, and was an integral part of Millwall’s promotion seasons in the 1980’s.

Following retirement, Stevens managed the club in the late 1990’s, which included leading the club to a trip to a Wembley final in the Auto Windscreens Shield.

3. Terry Hurlock (1987 – 90; 1994)

Wild hair? Check. No-nonsense player? Check. Legend status? Check.

Joining the club back in 1987, Hurlock also helped the club to multiple promotions, including to the top-flight.

Even though he only spent around four seasons at the club altogether, Hurlock made such an impact on the club and the players around him.

Nicknamed “Terry Warlock” by the fans, he was more than just a crunching midfielder to scare off the opponents – his commitment, underrated passing ability and game intelligence was why he became such an important player.

A well-deserved member of the Millwall Hall of Fame.

2. Neil Harris (1998 – 2004; 2007 – 2011)

The man who broke Teddy Sheringham’s goal scoring record and did so quite comfortably in the end.

Harris is another who began his Millwall career as a teenager, back in 1998. He was named Player of the Season in his first full year.

He later helped Millwall return to the First Division, after a remarkable 2000-01 season which saw him claim the Golden Boot award.

Despite leaving the club in 2004, Harris returned in 2007 for a six-year stint which saw him become a regular starter in League One and ultimately breaking Sheringham’s record.

After several caretaker manager stints, Harris was named the permanent manager in 2015 and won promotion through the play-offs and helped the club become the solid Championship side they are today.

1. Barry Kitchener (1966 – 1982)

Without doubt the greatest player to put on a Millwall shirt, Kitchener spent his whole career at Millwall and amassed over 600 appearances – a club record.

Beginning his career at left-back as injury cover, he moved into centre-half as Harry Cripps returned from injury and kept the number 5 shirt for the whole of his career.

Steering the club through stability in the Second Division, including almost winning promotion in 1971-72, Kitchener was not only talented but incredibly passionate.

Loyalty, however, is what stands out Kitchener above many.

Rejecting several moves to arguably even bigger clubs, Kitchener remained at Millwall and never put on another team’s shirt.

The West Stand at The Den is named after him, cementing his place as a Millwall legend.