Image: Athletic Football Group
What do Socceroos greats Kevin Muscat, Lucas Neill and Tim Cahill all have in common? They all made a name for themselves at esteemed East London Championship side Millwall. The Lions Head of Youth Development (U12-16s) Dan Mlinar touched down in Australia over the weekend and is conducting trials in Oakleigh this week and hosted a player development workshop at Point Cook on Monday night. TCF caught up with the well-respected coach as he took time to discuss what brought him to Melbourne, his role at The Den, and what makes a club like Millwall continually punch above its weight.
DK: What brings you to Australia and what sort of expectations do you have?
DM: I am coming to Australia to try and see the talent that Australia has to offer. I am expecting the players to be in and around the level of the academy standard in England so hopefully I can find a diamond in the rough so to speak.
DK: What are your preconceived observations and thoughts on Australian football?
DM: I have to be honest, my knowledge and understanding of Australian football other than those that have played within the European leagues and of youth football it is even less. However, for a country of its size and its history and tradition in elite sports, I’m sure there is the talent within the leagues in Australia that can make an impact upon the continent.
DK: What is the reputation of Australian players at Millwall?
DM: Australian players have a fantastic reputation at Millwall Football Club due to players such as Kevin Muscat, who played and become an iconic figure in Millwall history, and probably the best player to play for Millwall in the modern era Tim Cahill, who played 217 times for Millwall before a big money move the Premier League. Both players also played in the club’s successful FA Cup Final run in which we lost to Manchester United in the final – if we can find players of that ability then I will be very happy!
DK: How has Millwall experienced a healthy level of success in their youth development, with many of their academy players going onto play in the EPL?
DM: Millwall has had lots of success within youth development, from the start of the academy big players such as Teddy Sheringham and Tony Cascarino came through our ranks and become household names in England’s top leagues. More recently, the likes of Stephen Reid AND Chris Smalling have started within our academy before moving onto bigger and better things. I believe we are successful due to the hard-working culture of the club which I’m lead to believe runs through the Australian blood line too. Over the past few seasons we have had many players sold by us to different clubs such as Reading, Fulham and Arsenal. Not only do we have a pathway to our first team with 12 debutants from our academy in the last three seasons, we also have pathways for players at their clubs also if that’s the route they wish to take.
DK: Briefly explain your role at the club?
DM: My role at Millwall Football Academy is Lead Youth Development Phase Coach, where I look after the U12-16year age groups. My job is to organise how and why we work in accordance with the Millwall Philosophy.
DK: Does the working class ethos of the surroundings of the club translate to your philosophy on the pitch of always trying to work hard and punch above your weight?
DM: Our working class roots and being an inner London club, certainly translates onto the pitch, hard work, unity & commitment are key characteristics we look for in our players, as well as the technical, tactical and physical sides of the game.