Simon Jordan has played down the significance of West Ham United’s rivalry with Millwall ahead of Saturday’s long-awaited Championship meeting at The Den.
The two clubs will meet competitively for the first time since February 2012, when West Ham recorded a 2-1 victory at Upton Park.
Saturday therefore represents the return of one of English football’s most historic rivalries after more than 14 years apart.
However, former Crystal Palace owner Jordan believes another London club provides Millwall with their “real rivalry”.
Simon Jordan makes Millwall and Chelsea claim
Speaking on talkSPORT, as quoted by West Ham Zone, Jordan said: “Millwall fans these days are a lot more bark than they are bite. And the real rivalry is Millwall and Chelsea.”
It is a claim likely to generate debate ahead of Saturday’s fixture.
West Ham and Millwall’s rivalry dates back more than a century and developed from the clubs’ East and South East London roots.
Competitive meetings have become increasingly rare, but the absence has done little to remove the significance surrounding the fixture.
Read West Ham’s complete West Ham vs Millwall rivalry guide covers the history, famous meetings and background to a rivalry that will finally resume this weekend.
West Ham prepare for hostile Millwall return
Whatever Jordan’s assessment, Nuno Espírito Santo’s players will be under no illusion about the atmosphere awaiting them.
The Den will host the Championship encounter at 12.30pm on Saturday, with West Ham attempting to maintain their strong start to the season.
Millwall have their own reasons for approaching the derby with confidence, although Alex Neil has admitted several of his players are “running on empty” before facing West Ham.
The Hammers also have an opportunity to extend an extraordinary attacking start after scoring 20 goals across their opening seven Championship fixtures.
Read West Ham has examined how Nuno’s side can challenge a Championship scoring benchmark at The Den.
Jordan may regard Chelsea as Millwall’s “real rivalry”.
For West Ham and Millwall supporters preparing for their first competitive meeting in 14 years, Saturday is unlikely to feel insignificant.
West Ham Zone reported Jordan’s remarks on Wednesday and attributes them to an appearance on talkSPORT.
