We look at the favourites to become new Millwall manager as Neil Harris steps down from his role as head coach after his ‘thicko’ comment.
South London Press reporter Richard Cawley first revealed the news, tweeting on Tuesday lunchtime: “Understand that Neil Harris is stepping down as #Millwall head coach.”
This comes Millwall currently sit 11th in the Championship table with 25 points for 18 games played, 6 points from the playoff places.
Understand that Neil Harris is stepping down as #Millwall head coach.
— Richard Cawley (@RichCawleySLP) December 10, 2024
#Millwall Football Club can confirm a mutual decision has been reached with Neil Harris to step down from his role as head coach following The Lions’ trip to Middlesbrough on Saturday.
— Millwall FC (@MillwallFC) December 10, 2024
STATEMENT:
Millwall Football Club can confirm a mutual decision has been reached with Neil Harris to step down from his role as head coach following The Lions’ trip to Middlesbrough on Saturday.
Neil returned to the club in February 2024 with an immediate focus of steering the club away from the relegation zone. He successfully achieved this after collecting 26 points from a possible 33.
Lions Chairman, James Berylson, said: “At the start of 2024, we found ourselves in a tough spot. Neil came in and along with his coaching staff galvanised the squad. Through action and leadership, he led Millwall on a magnificent run of form, ensuring our return to Championship football this season.
“I want to thank Neil for all his efforts since returning to the Club and we will be forever grateful to him for that.
“After discussions with Neil in recent days, he felt it was the right time to step down from the role following the Middlesbrough game and I have accepted his decision.”
“I join everybody associated with Millwall by wishing Neil the very best. He will always be welcome back to The Den as a friend, colleague, and Lion.
“As we look forward, the appointment of our next head coach will align with the clear strategy and vision I have previously laid out for the future of Millwall Football Club, both on and off the pitch.
Director of Football, Steve Gallen, added: “We respect Neil’s decision and he departs with the best wishes of everybody at the club. Since I joined in May, I have enjoyed my time working alongside Neil and I thank him for his efforts during this period.
“A comprehensive recruitment process is already underway for a new head coach. The direction we as a club want to head in is clear and the next head coach will play a pivotal role in helping us execute our strategy.”
The club’s interim management plans following Neil’s final match on Saturday will be confirmed in due course. No further comment will be made on the appointment of a head coach until this is complete.
STATEMENT FROM NEIL HARRIS:
Today I am announcing that I will be leaving Millwall Football Club after Saturday’s game against Middlesbrough.
This isn’t an easy decision, as everyone knows this club is more than a job to me, it’s my club, and always will be.
Being here always felt like home, as a player, as a captain, and as a manager. We are a family, and it’s been my life for so many years. But I always said when I returned that I would leave when the time felt right, and now is that time.
Coming back last season and all the highs that came with it will never be rivalled. It was one of the highlights of my career. We fought together as a team, as fans and as a united football club.
We have some special characters in this team. They are dedicated and hungry to do well. With the right encouragement and support, I’m sure they can achieve great things.
I would like to thank all the staff at the club for their loyalty and support and especially the owner James Berylson, for welcoming me back. He’s been superb to work with, and I will always be grateful for the great friendship we shared.
We have the most passionate fans in the country, and your support has meant the world to me. We are often misunderstood, but the uniqueness of Millwall is also what makes us so special.
I wish all of my friends at Millwall Football Club the best for the rest of the season and I will see you soon.
Chopper.
FAVOURITES TO BECOME NEW MILLWALL MANAGER:
BetVictor – 10 Dec
Steve Cooper – 5/1
Michael Appleton – 6/1
Mark Robins – 6/1
Gary Rowett – 6/1
Matt Bloomfield – 12/1
Steven Schumacher – 12/1
David Moyes – 12/1
Alex Neil – 14/1
On Saturday, Millwall manager Neil Harris said:
“You miss Romain Esse, you miss Japhet Tanganga and you miss Jake Cooper. Three players that probably get in anybody’s Championship team. So just a reminder to people, the thickos, that when you take the three best players out of… pic.twitter.com/x65cd4EM50
— Second Tier podcast (@secondtierpod) December 10, 2024
Neil Harris doesn’t hold back as he sends message to ‘thickos’ after Millwall lose to Coventry
Here’s how fans reacted amid the favourites to become new Millwall manager as Neil Harris steps down after his ‘thicko’ comment…
@Wanderers_thet: I hope everyone that has given him this unnecessary criticism is happy now
@charlie_ruby: The thicko’s get what they want. The rest of the season is gonna be a massive struggle
@davidharrywebb: Definitely something not right. It’s been so weird the last few weeks. Even when getting results or playing well there’s been too many strange actions. It’s so sad in my opinion. Nobody is perfect but we’ll certainly never have anyone that cares for the club so much.
@gavstravels: Seems the issues are true then
@TommyMinter19: Fan base are a shambles, what do they expect, relegation looming now
@gumbo1885: Things have clearly not been right behind the scenes for a while. It’s a shame as he’s done a superb job.
@MrZampa7: It’s a sad sad day… 😢
@chillisauce4u: Always liked NH for player he was & he defo stabilised the shambles left by GR. JE was wrong time. Saturday was end point. Team looked fucked as soon as goal went in. Can’t play an entire season in giant killing cup style. Find a manger who does 442, wingers, aggression.
@Nemo4334: The moaners have got their wish. Let’s see how it goes now.
@PeterK1988: Awful news! This is the reason we never progress – the fans hold us back! Harris hit the nail on the head!
@JamesDorney3: Been clear all wasn’t well. Club looks like a toxic environment atm. I love Harris and everything he’s done for this club but I honestly think his love for the club and what he’s achieved here gives off an aura that he is bigger than the club in his own head.
@dharvey4: A bottom 6 budget, not sure what they expect?
@MattyWright86: Now this has come as a shock. Harris rode back in to save Millwall from relegation last season and has developed them into a very solid outfit since. Whoever succeeds him has a good base to build on
@DarthAlcoholic: What a shame. He stepped in when we needed him and put a fantastic run together. A shame some didn’t appreciate what he did. Will always be a legend 🦁 #Millwall
@keithcropper1: That’s mad. He’s massively overachieved since returning to Millwall and they’ve been in play off contention all season. They’re going to fall off massively now. They’ve just been dragged into the relegation battle without kicking a ball
@MillwallDave2: I don’t blame him. He gets stick every week even though he saved us last season & we’re now mid table. He has one pop back and suddenly our fans become big girls’ blouses with hurt feelings. Well done people. A real club legend made to question why he cared in the first place
@MattLeeBull: In my football manager save Robins went to Millwall… Is FM about to predict the future? #PUSB
@ricky_dobson89: Really fuck sake
@wilMillwall1885: Go get Mark Robbins
@EddieWennerstr1: Mark Robins is free.
@KnowlesyMFC: Go get Mark robbins 👍🏼
@BasedTomTom: I could see this coming.. He had enough, could not make it better,the issues with the board have not gone away..
@SteveR69420419: Said his comments were paving the way to walk
You must be logged in to post a comment Login