Liam Millar expressed his thoughts as the Addicks completed their League One campaign with a 1-0 triumph over champions Hull City at The Valley on Sunday afternoon.
Ultimately, Millar was the difference between the two sides: it was the Canadian’s tantalising cross which broke the deadlock, sparking confusion between Matt Ingram and Jacob Greaves as the goalkeeper could only parry the ball against his defender for an unfortunate own goal and a first defeat for the Tigers since February.
Speaking to Charlton TV post-match, Millar said: “We’re obviously all disappointed because we came into the game today thinking that we just had to win and hopefully the results went in our favour. Unfortunately Oxford are a good side and they end up battering Burton.
“All we had to do was do what we could control; we all went out there trying to get all three points today and we did that. I think that’s something we can be proud of and the lads can build on that for next season.”
Nigel Adkins’ men concluded their campaign with successive victories in SE7 against Lincoln City and Hull City respectively, something Millar says can breed confidence moving forward.
“Hull are the champions - they’re probably the best team in the league - and Lincoln are a very good side as well. We played two of the best teams and showed that we can go toe-to-toe with them and if not be better than them. I think it’s all positive.
“Even though it’s not play-offs I don’t think it’s the end of the world. I think the club’s in a good place right now with the manager and all the players we have here. For next season I think everything should be good.
“When you reflect on the season, I think that we’ll see that there were games where we should have won and we dropped points. Sometimes when you look back at a season and you just think, ‘that’s what’s killed you’. Because clearly we’re good enough, clearly we can beat the best teams in this league and I’m sure if we were in the play-offs we would definitely be competing for promotion.”
After arriving on loan from Liverpool in January, the 21-year-old forged a starting berth on the left wing and made 27 appearances, returning two goals and seven assists in what Millar feels has been a hugely beneficial loan spell.
“The important thing for me was I had a little bit of a rough spell in Scotland and I didn’t do too well at times, but I think that I’ve come here and I’ve matured over the time I’ve been here.
“When I came here I was kind of still used to [under] 23s football where I was just kind of doing the same thing over and over and over again. I went through a rough patch where I wasn’t playing at my best and that’s football.
“I think I was at the point where I had to move on and get league football. I came here and, like I said, I think I’ve matured a lot. There were times when I was very predictable and towards the end now I was able to go outside or inside and not just one way. I’ve improved on a lot of things so for me it was a positive loan spell.”
Millar added in a social media post: "To the fans: I never got to play in front of you at The Valley but your support was heard throughout our season, thanks for everything. Wish everyone the best of luck in the future."
Article by James Waller
Nothing compares to a full Valley. Click here to get your 2021/22 season ticket.
