Wes Harding opens up on his Millwall trait that has enabled him to win over fans
In an era brimming with manufactured atmospheres and half-and-half scarves, Millwall Football Club remains unreservedly and unapologetically different.
The Lions are unique and playing for them is no mean feat: The Den doesn't suffer fools lightly and plenty of established players have tried and failed to win the natives over down the years. Wes Harding has quietly managed it, though.
Harding, 27, has provided a fresh voice to a team still haunted by the harrowing 4-3 loss against Blackburn Rovers on the final day of the 2022/23 season. A win would have secured a play-off place, and the hangover from that afternoon has seeped into the new Championship campaign; Millwall are currently 20th having won just five of their 17 league games.
Harding is loud and infectious; the type of character Millwall need as they bid to get back on an even keel. It's no surprise that he has quickly won fans over.
"I was always quite loud even when I was young," Harding tells Mirror Football. "Gary Rowett was my manager when I was in the Under-18s at Birmingham and I used to train with the first team. I'll be honest, I wasn't the best - there were better players - but I was always loud and I think that's something they valued."
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Harding has an aura of authority on the pitch which translates well off of it, too. He cuts a relaxed but assured figure at a training ground which is rich in character but lacking in grandeur.
He arrived at the club on a free transfer from Rotherham in the summer. He was a mainstay in Yorkshire, starting around 90 per cent of the club's games over a three-year period. Millwall have boasted a relatively settled and successful rearguard in recent years. As such, Harding endured a frustrating wait to make a mark in a Lions shirt.
"I knew I wasn't just going to come straight in, but at the same time, you've got to take a leap of faith; you have to believe in yourself," he explains.
Harding celebrates after scoring his first of three goals this season (Andrew Redington)"I did expect an opportunity sooner, but it is what it is. Sometimes you don't always get what you want and you've just got to wait. I think I'm a bit different to others at the club, so I feel I can bring something different to the team. That's almost like a USP.
"I came on at Birmingham and I felt I did well, so I thought I'd maybe get a start after that. Then we went into an international break and there were a few games where I didn't start, but I had a really good chat with the manager [Rowett] who was really honest with me, which I respected. I know my abilities better than anyone and I felt that once I got a run of games then I could show my value."
The impact of a fresh voice at the back shouldn't be underestimated, even if Millwall have taken their perennial slow starter tag to a new extreme this year. Both results and performances have mostly been underwhelming but Harding has been a standout.
"Things can get stale," Harding adds. "I don't even think that's necessarily just football, it's human nature. When you have something new it can bring a realisation or remind you of who you are or what you can do. Pep Guardiola talks about it: we see top, top players being moved on and him bringing new people in to keep things fresh. I think new beginnings are important for anyone in any walk of life."
Harding has quickly become a favourite at The Den (Rich Linley)Harding is a devout Christian and his faith is fundamental both in football and beyond. After seeing faith as an "obligation" during his upbringing in a religious household, Harding embarked on his own journey with God after moving to Birmingham from Leicestershire as a 16-year-old; an experience which kickstarted his faith journey.
He now uses his own experience to help other young Christian footballers as part of Ballers in God: a ministry set up by former England youth international John Bostock, now of Notts Country. The group meet weekly to discuss football and faith.
He explains: "Faith is the number one in my life. Of course, it's the gaffer who chooses [the team] but I believe the Lord is sovereign and above it all. In tough or bad situations, there's always a good side to it because the Lord is going to work it out for my good.
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"I have always felt the pull of the Lord in certain areas of my life. The Bible never promises life will be easy, but at least I have someone who will help me in challenging times and share the good ones, too.
"It wasn't tough for me [moving away] but it would have been for other people. My parents literally took me here, there and everywhere for football."
As a young attacker, Harding grew up admiring Thierry Henry, but his father was infatuated with Brazil. That rubbed off on Harding, who took inspiration from the likes of Ronaldo and Ronaldinho before he was moved back into a deeper role during his attempts to earn a scholarship at Aston Villa. "I was moved a bit further back because I was quite vocal," he explains. "You sort of expect that from your defensive players."
Those foray forwards have still been evident at The Den - "You've got to pick and choose your spots!" - as has his knack for being in the right place at the right time in front of goal. Harding managed just two goals in 120 appearances for Rotherham; he already has three in 12 for Millwall, all across a four-game period.
At a club where grit and character are commodities which are valued just as highly as flair and talent, Harding is already on the brink of cult hero status.
Very few would even attempt to replicate Cristiano Ronaldo's 'Siu' celebration in front of such an unforgiving audience. It says everything about Harding's popularity that he gets away with it.
"It's lovely to see all the comments [from fans on social media] and I do enjoy it," he says, breaking out into a grin. "My family are always sending me tweets and stuff!
New Millwall head coach Joe Edwards is trying to change the club's playing style (Bryn Lennon)"Without sounding too negative, because I do really appreciate the fans, I remember being at Birmingham when I was younger and it was all, 'He's one of our own' and stuff like that, but when the club was going through a tough period and it was tricky for me, I lost that favour and it hurt. Now I always try to be level-headed: if everyone loves me then be level, if everyone hates me, stay level.
"I had to bide my time [earlier in the season]. You have to go through moments like that to really appreciate spells like this."
For all the success they've enjoyed while punching above their weight over the last few years, Millwall have often felt like an analogue team operating in a digital world in terms of their approach. The recent decision to appoint a young, progressive head coach in Joe Edwards in a bid to evolve their dated style of play and, in time, implement a proper identity is something the majority of fans craved.
Edwards may be lacking in senior experience, but his coaching pedigree is undeniable. He has worked with the likes of Thomas Tuchel and Frank Lampard and enjoyed significant success in the Chelsea youth set-up where he developed the likes of Reece James and Mason Mount among others.
His desire to transition Millwall into a more modern possession-based football team has been welcomed by Harding, who is also relishing the prospect of working under a developer like Edwards.
Harding is a devout Christian and helps other young footballers with their faith (Brian Tonks/Millwall FC)Harding explains: "He [Edwards] has come in and tweaked a few things but it's nothing we're incapable of doing. Personally, I like it. I want to be on the ball and passing into midfield. I think you can have a perception of certain players based on where they've been.
"I was at Rotherham where it was very much route one-ish, so I understand why people might think that's the type of player I am or that's all I'm really capable of doing, but I really believe I'm comfortable enough on the ball, as are the team here. The gaffer has come in and been able to see that, so hopefully we can grow."
Now approaching his prime, Harding is excited about what the future holds under Edwards, even if results have fallen below expectations. Playing at The Den - once Millwall's great equaliser - in particular has become a problem. Once a place to be feared, the influence of Millwall's home has waned significantly over the past 12 months.
Harding is optimistic better times are on the horizon - particularly once Millwall find the solution to their home discomforts. For now, he's relieved to be on the right side of The Den.
"[The Den] is on my side now. I came here on the bench for Birmingham before, so I wasn't in it but I was able to take it in. From the outside, the perspective is that it's a really hostile place - even when you're playing games there [as an opponent] you just want to get in and out! But being here I've realised how much of a family club it is. I'm really enjoying every aspect: the fans, the players and the staff."
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