Paul Merson's new Millwall promotion view after claiming he ‘would love’ them in the Premier League | OneFootball

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson drops verdict on Millwall's promotion hopes amid victory over Derby County on Tuesday...

Paul Merson has provided his view of Millwall potentially gaining promotion to the Premier League, be that via the play-offs or automatically.

Alex Neil's side lost twice just before Christmas against Hull City and Blackburn Rovers to drop out of the play-offs, but their win over Derby County on Tuesday has put them in an excellent position in the race for promotion.

In fact, they have now lost just two of the last 15 league games. That run includes 10 wins and four of those have come on the bounce to set Middlesbrough in their sights ahead of the Championship run-in through to the beginning of May.

Either side of the upcoming international break, Millwall face Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough. The games could be season-defining, with the three sides and Hull City appearing to be those vying for one spot, given the recent form of Coventry City.

The Lions are in their ninth consecutive Championship season since promotion from League One in 2017, having failed to secure a top six place in that time. They last finished in the play-offs in 2001/02.

Paul Merson drops verdict on Millwall's recent form and promotion hopes

With nine games remaining, Millwall are just a point behind Middlesbrough and three ahead of an Ipswich Town side with a game in hand. It's tight, but they are set for their best season in over two decades due to a 14-point gap to seventh.

Just a month ago, Paul Merson claimed he 'would love' to see Millwall promoted to the Premier League. He spoke on Sky Sports News during their Gillette Labs Soccer Special show on Tuesday night and added further to his view.

The pundit said: "That’s what you want [to play the teams around you]. If you’re chasing teams down, there’s no point playing teams at the bottom. If you win, you don’t gain any points.

"Every now and then, Millwall throw in that bad result. Do you know what I mean? They go along and then they throw in that result where you go, ‘well, how’d you get beat there?’

"They won’t be far off, Millwall. I’ve been very impressed. They’ve done so, so well this season so far. They’re a couple of wins away. When you get this far, you want to make sure that you get straight up into the promised land."

How significant Premier League promotion could be for Millwall

For clubs who have never played in the Premier League, such as Millwall, Wrexham, Bristol City, and Preston North End, reaching the Premier League would be profoundly transformative financially, culturally, and strategically.

Financially, promotion typically brings a massive uplift in broadcasting revenue, commercial deals, sponsorships, and matchday income. Even a single season can generate well over £100 million in media revenue alone. If relegated, clubs also become in receipt of parachute payments, cushioning the financial drop as well.

That often gives them a competitive budget advantage in the Championship for several seasons. Beyond money, promotion dramatically raises global visibility. Clubs gain international audiences, more lucrative partnerships, and the ability to attract players of a higher calibre. This can permanently elevate a club’s brand, similar to what happened with clubs like Brighton after their rise.

There are also infrastructure and development incentives. For historically proud clubs such as Millwall, promotion would also carry symbolic prestige. For clubs that have never reached the Premier League era, promotion is not just a step up — it can redefine their entire future trajectory.