The 2001-02 campaign was a thrilling, dramatic ride for Millwall as The Lions roared to a spectacular 4th-place finish in the First Division under manager Mark McGhee, mounting a genuine push for the Premier League with a formidable squad that included future icon Tim Cahill. Leading the charge was the veteran marksman Steve Claridge, whose 17 crucial league goals powered the team into the play-offs, though their promotion dream ultimately ended in a hard-fought semi-final defeat to Birmingham City.