Neil Harris: Millwall head coach to step down from role

Millwall's head coach, Neil Harris, will depart from the club after Saturday's match against Middlesbrough.

The Lions are sitting in 11th place in the Championship and haven't secured a victory in their last four matches.

Harris came back to lead the club for a second time in February, signing a contract that runs through June 2025.

The 47-year-old expressed that leaving Millwall was a tough choice for him. He is the club's all-time top scorer and had a four-year stint as their manager from 2015 to 2019.

"Everyone is aware that this club means more to me than just work; it’s my club, and it always will be," Harris stated passionately.

"I've often mentioned that when I came back, I would leave when it felt like the right moment, and I believe that moment has arrived."

When Harris stepped in as coach in February of the previous season, Millwall was just one point clear of the relegation zone. He successfully guided the team to a respectable 13th place finish in the Championship.

So far this season, they’ve secured six victories out of 18 matches and are currently six points away from the playoff positions. Their recent home loss to Coventry on Saturday marked their first defeat in 10 games, but they failed to make any shots on target during the match.

On Wednesday, they will take on Sheffield United at home, marking Harris' last match in the dugout at The Den before heading to Riverside on Saturday.

A club announcement indicated that the search for Harris' replacement is currently in progress, and details regarding temporary management will be shared after the weekend.

Director of football Steve Gallen stated, "We are currently in the midst of a thorough search for a new head coach."

"We have a clear vision for the club's future, and the new head coach will be crucial in helping us carry out our plans."

Chairman James Berylson stated that he agreed with Harris' choice following their recent conversations.

"As we move ahead, choosing our next head coach will be in line with the distinct strategy and vision I've shared for the future of Millwall Football Club, both on the field and beyond," he stated.

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When Neil Harris came back to lead Millwall in February, owner James Berylson had a straightforward request: keep us from relegation.

The Lions found themselves in 21st place following the chaotic tenure of Joe Edwards, which came to an end when Harris stepped in. He aimed to restore the traditional Millwall style—practical, robust, and disciplined—as the team battled to stay in the Championship.

The influence of the individual known as 'Chopper' was immediate. Millwall’s 2-1 victory against Southampton, a team aiming for promotion, demonstrated the team's fighting spirit while also allowing fans to reflect on both their history and the future ahead.

The Lions built on that effort, securing 26 points to comfortably stay out of the relegation zone in 13th place, but they needed a big summer ahead.

Japhet Tanganga's loan agreement was finalized as a permanent transfer, and the team added fresh attacking talent by bringing in Macaulay Langstaff and Milhailo Ivanovic.

However, the beginning of this season was challenging for the Lions, as they ended up in 18th place, managing to secure just one victory in their first six league matches.

The win over Plymouth sparked a positive change in performance, allowing Harris to harness the energy of The Den with victories over top teams Burnley and Leeds, both in the race for promotion.

However, the remarks made following Saturday's loss to Coventry were not well-received by some segments of the fan community.

It seems that a lack of communication with certain parts of the club's leadership might have caused an earlier exit than anticipated, even though Millwall is currently doing well in a highly unpredictable league.

Chairman Berylson and football director Steve Gallen now face the challenging job of locating someone who can continue the work that Harris has started.

Edwards' hiring did not meet the club's expectations, and the lessons learned from Birmingham City's performance last season should serve as a clear reminder that this is not the moment to try out new approaches.

Mark Robins is emerging as a top candidate to take over for Harris. His extended tenure at Coventry, along with his playing style and ability to achieve results with a limited budget, make him an attractive option.