The international break came at the worst time for Millwall, just as it was all starting to come together, we get a week off...
We are now five games in to the new season and are second bottom of the Championship. But this season was never going to be a smooth one. With an influx of new players, coaching staff and manager, it was always going to take a considerable amount of time for it all to fit well.
But now it is slowly starting to come together.
Two tough away games at the end of the month saw us undefeated, most fans would have taken a point at Sheffield Wednesday and Brighton, and after all we were only two minutes away from a win at the AMEX.
Within the first four games of the season, Lomas used 25 players, the most in the Championship. It's very clear that Lomas didn't know his best starting line-up. He now has a very good idea and to be honest the back five basically picks itself. It's in midfield where Lomas has difficulty. We have quality midfielders now, but how do they all fit in? Especially with Liam Trotter back from injury.
To be honest I can't see this squad struggling for much longer.
Last season we had Sean St.Ledger and Josh Wright in centre midfield. Now it's Nicky Bailey and Richard Chaplow.
We had Rob Hulse and Nathan Tyson up front. Now it's Steve Morison and Scott McDonald.
As you can see, it's a massive improvement...
It was always going to be a slow burner on how the Lions would play. Steve Lomas brought in his own staff and ideas. Most fans can see what he's trying to do. He's mostly trying to get us to play it on the floor, proper football.
Yes, we may still hoof it up to the strikers, but somehow Scott McDonald manages to get the ball down and play it around the pitch.
It's going to take time and Lomas will still need that to make it a success at the Den. Chairman John Berylson has already said he will be given time, but will the fans give him the same treatment?
The majority of the season can see he's trying to build a good team here, but some still can't get past the fact "he's West Ham" but he's here now, why not just support him? Who knows what could happen.....
September will be seen as a vital month with the Lions having a seemingly good chance to get some wins on the board, with three home games and an away South London derby at Charlton. Lomas talked about home form when he first got the job. He wanted to make the Den a scary place again for away opposition. Well now is the perfect chance, especially when the final game of the month is at home to Leeds, always a lively one...
COYL