It's been a disappointing start to the season for Millwall, but new boss Kenny Jackett now appears to be turning things around at the New Den. Saturday's trip to Luton was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, but in their three previous matches Millwall had picked up crucial victories against high-flying Leyton Orient, Bournemouth and Yeovil to climb out of the relegation zone. Givemefootball's Mark Shail caught up with on-loan Arsenal star Jay Simpson, who was voted the PFA Fans' Player of the Month after an excellent run of form during November.
Q:CONGRATULATIONS ON WINNING THE AWARD, YOU MUST HAVE BEEN DELIGHTED?
A:Yes, I was really pleased but quick shocked as well. I've been enjoying my football here at Millwall and it's nice to get some league games under my belt. I only turned 19 a week ago so there is still a lot more for me to learn in the game and this is a good opportunity.
Q:DID YOU SIGN FOR MILLWALL TO GET THAT EXPERIENCE?
A:I felt the chance to play first team football in the league was too good to turn down. There are a lot of young players here at Millwall and they are improving all the time. I just hope I can help the club pick up some more good results and continue to climb the table.
Q:YOU MUST HAVE BEEN PLEASED WITH THAT IMPRESSIVE RECENT WIN AT LEYTON ORIENT?
A:That was a good win because they have been playing well this season and are riding high at the top of the league. We played some good stuff on the day and in the end I think we deserved the win. Orient is not an easy place to go but to come away with the three points was a great result.
Q:MILLWALL SEEM TO HAVE BEEN PLAYING WITH A LOT MORE CONFIDENCE OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS?
A:I suppose that confidence comes with getting results. We had managed to string together a nice run of performances and that consistency is important if you are going to climb the table. A couple of back-to-back wins in this division can see you jump up three or four places in the league.
Q:YOU'VE BEEN PLAYING WIDE ON THE FLANK, IS THAT YOU'RE FAVOURED POSITION?
A:I've actually played on both the right and left wings but my natural position is as a striker. I've enjoyed playing out wide but I have to admit I feel more comfortable up front because that's where I've played most of my football.
Q:IS THERE A CHANCE YOU MIGHT EXTEND YOUR LOAN AT MILLWALL?
A:To be honest I don't really know at this stage – that's something between Millwall and Arsenal to discuss. No doubt when my loan expires we'll sit down and decide what is going to happen. I've certainly enjoyed my time here and feel as though I've learned a lot.
Q:WHAT DO YOU THINK OF ARSENAL'S CHANCES OF WINNING THE PREMIER LEAGUE THIS SEASON?
A:I know they've had a couple of setbacks recently but I still think they've got a great chance – nobody fancied them to win it at the start of the season but they are playing some really good football. They've got a lot of outstanding young players but they also have experience in the side with the likes of William Gallas and Gilberto. Everyone seems hungry to win the title this season and they should go really close.
