The Scots 'Mountain' who won over Millwall hardnuts tells his story after seven years in The Den
Murray Wallace typified everything the working-class London outfit expected
Millwall fans are notorious throughout British football.
In their own words: 'No one likes us, we don't care.'
Thankfully for Murray Wallace, the diehards adored their adopted Scot.
Wallace has just blown the whistle on a magnificent seven years at The Den.
The towering defender amassed more than 260 appearances for the Lions, popping up with 16 goals.
A quick glance at social media after his exit was announced tells you how highly he was rated.
Wallace typified everything the working-class London outfit expected, a Braveheart who wore his heart on his sleeve.
And the former Falkirk stopper said: 'It's lovely to see and hear and get all the warm messages.
'All the hard work and stuff you've put in over the years, it's nice to see this appreciated.
'My time at Millwall wasn't plain sailing, I signed there as a centre-back and had to force my way into the team as a left-back and then wing-back and stuff.
'So I think the fans appreciated everything that I gave to the club and I really appreciate their support.
'I played there a few times on the opposite team when I was at Scunthorpe and Huddersfield.
'It was quite hostile, but when you play for them, it's actually alright!
'Some of my best moments are playing in front of a packed house at The Den.'
Wallace will forever be remembered for his part in one of the most famous nights at The Den.
The 32-year-old etched his name into FA Cup folklore with the added-time winner to beat Everton 3-2 in 2019.
He said: 'Playing against Premier League teams, we packed the house out and it was really special.
'Just the way the game went, going behind, then going ahead, getting pulled back and scoring a last-minute winner, it was really special.'
Wallace, who then got the only goal against AFC Wimbledon before the Lions were knocked out by Brighton, smiled: 'I was thinking I was going to score in every round all the way to the final. To score two winners in two rounds was brilliant.'
Affectionately nicknamed 'The Mountain', the versatile Wallace was a mainstay as the club teetered on the brink of promotion to the Premier League.
But the one painful regret is that his standout displays never led to a Scotland call-up.
He reflected: 'It's always been an ambition of mine to play for Scotland, to even get one cap would be so special.
'Playing regularly in the Championship, when the team's doing well, you're playing well, just missing out on the play-offs on the last one or two games, I thought I might have a chance of a call-up.
'But unfortunately it's never quite materialised, and I'm obviously disappointed about that.
'But you've got to respect the decisions that are made, so that's fine.'
A free agent for the first time in his career, Wallace will take his time to weigh up his future as he eyes a move closer to home after 13 years down south.
He said: 'I started my career off in Scotland and it's brilliant to see the likes of Falkirk get back up.
'I've seen Scotty Arfield back there and that's brilliant for him.
'Obviously, there will be interest from teams up in Scotland. We've just got to see what's best footballing-wise and what's best for me and the family.
'There have been a few conversations with a few different clubs, but there's nothing concrete or anything ready to sign at the minute. It's just a bit of a waiting game.'
Wherever he ends up, Millwall will always take a special place in his heart.
Wallace added: 'I was there a long time and it just feels like so much had happened.
'You had some really surreal moments of the Covid season playing in front of no fans, and you had the highs of the FA Cup runs and scoring winners and stuff like that.
'You had the lows as well. Our chairman tragically passed away in my time there. Our keeper passed away as well at the start of last season.
'Some really massive moments, not just in terms of football but in life there.
'I married my wife whilst I was at Millwall. I've had all three of my children whilst I was at Millwall. It's a massive part of my life.'
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