Charlie Austin names the most intimidating EFL Championship ground | OneFootball

Charlie Austin has admitted that The Den is the most intimidating stadium in the Championship with the noise the Millwall fans create.

Former QPR striker Charlie Austin has admitted that facing Millwall at The Den was the most intimidating fixture in the Championship.

The Lions’ fanbase have a reputation as one of the toughest in the country, and Millwall’s home form was crucial for Alex Neil’s side as they finished third in the Championship last season.

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However, they ultimately came up short in their dream of reaching the Premier League, as they were beaten over two legs by Hull, which included the Tigers winning at The Den to book their place at Wembley, and they would then go on to beat Middlesbrough at the national stadium.

Charlie Austin reveals Millwall is the most intimidating Championship ground

Despite that, Neil and the Millwall players will hope to use that fear factor that can come with playing at The Den to their advantage, as they look to win the promotion race this time around.

And, reflecting on Millwall’s famous stadium, Austin, who played there for Swindon, Burnley, QPR and West Brom, admitted it is the most intimidating ground in the Championship.

“That's an easy one: Millwall. Going to The Den is intimidating. You hear all the stories beforehand, and then when you get there, everything adds to it. The tunnel is tight, the changing rooms are cramped, and there's an atmosphere that gets under your skin.

“I remember David Forde and Danny Shittu shouting in the tunnel before games, building that intensity. As an away player, it's intimidating. As a home player, I can imagine it gives you a huge advantage,” Austin added, speaking to Play Nimbus ahead of the new football season, to promote his podcast, Chazkicksoff.

Charlie Austin had a mixed record at Millwall

Austin had a fantastic career, and his rise from non-league to the Premier League and Europa League means he is an inspiration for many who are looking to make it in the game.

As well as that, it means he has seen a lot over the years, so his view of Millwall’s ground is interesting, and he is talking from a lot of experience.

Over the years, Austin faced Millwall on 12 occasions, and he had a mixed record, winning three times and losing five. Of those appearances, five came at The Den, and Austin did score at the ground, in QPR’s 2-2 draw back in 2013.

So, whilst it was not a terrible record, you can see why he may not have always enjoyed his visits to south Bermondsey.

Millwall’s home form will be crucial to their promotion chances

This is no surprise, as Millwall are widely regarded as excellent fans in terms of their passion for the club, and the noise they can create on a matchday.

They obviously love that reputation, and it has helped the team a lot over the years, as shown by their home form.

Neil will tap into that as manager, and the players will also know that if they play with intensity, the supporters will back them throughout.

It can bring additional pressure, and some players won’t be able to handle that, but, pleasingly for Millwall, most of the current side seem to thrive in that environment.

There are some huge games for Millwall to look forward to this season, none more so than West Ham, so The Den will be rocking as the Lions try to win promotion.