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Neil Harris explains more on the decision to step down as Millwall head coach

Neil Harris explains more on the decision to step down as Millwall head coach, which was announced by the club earlier this week.

Wednesday night was his last home game in charge of the Lions, ending in a 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United, then ending his tenure away to Middlesbrough on Saturday.

There’s been quite a mixed reaction to the announcement he was leaving, after he made a ‘thickos’ comment in a post match interview at Millwall’s defeat to Coventry. See more on that HERE.

Neil Harris said, per Southwark News: “Obviously, I’m disappointed with the outcome in my final game as Millwall manager at home,” Harris said.

“It’s been a tough 48 hours for everybody, quite emotional last 24 hours, not just for me and my family, but also the players as well yesterday when I broke the news to them and the staff.

“The way they conducted themselves, it’s just a privilege for me to be their manager. They’re brilliant lads.

“The difference in the game tonight was just that little bit of quality that we lack at times, but certainly no effort or desire or game understanding of getting into certain areas.

“So it’s been an absolute privilege and pleasure. I’m so proud to have represented this club as a player and a leader of the dressing room. I know it’s the right time for change for all of us, and the club have been unbelievably supportive with that viewpoint.

“It’s the right time for me, but also, I think it’s right time for the football club to go in a different direction to bring in a manager that maybe has different ideas and that works in a different way to me.

“Look, when I took the job in February, it was a real debate whether I was taking the job. I ultimately took the job because I promised the late John Berylson, that I’d come back in the hour of need. I really wanted to work with Jimmy, with his son, and it’s been an absolute privilege to have served both of them and have a brilliant relationship with both.

“Jimmy’s a really, really good man and really supportive of me. But it was only going to be to the end of this season. And that was very clear from day one. Very clear with the supporters, was very clear with everybody within the football club it was going to be to the end of the season.

“Sometimes when you’re just heading towards the January transfer window, you just need to give somebody new an opportunity to look towards a transfer window. Timing just became clear for me personally in the last week or two, that it was the right time for both parties.”

On if it was nice to say goodbye to the fans: “It was nice. We didn’t agree for me to do the next two games for that purpose, there was no thought into what was nice for me or even the fan base, to be honest.

“No disrespect to them, but it’s what’s right for the players. I didn’t feel that it was right to leave caretakers in charge of Sheffield United at home, who are the best team in the league and Middlesbrough away, who are also very, very good, to leave anybody in charge of those games other than me.

“I take those games, two really tough fixtures, and leave the pathway open for somebody to come in. It’s not easy against Blackburn at home, but then leaves the football club an opportunity for five games leading up, including Sheffield Wednesday, for somebody to assess the squad on a daily basis and in games when looking forward to the transfer window.

On if he had a further message for the fans: “I think my statement said it all.

“I think it was an outpouring of emotion and gratitude to the football club. To Jimmy and his family, to John, our late owner and Amy, John’s wife, Jimmy’s mum, who’s a beautiful lady who’s been so supportive of me. But also the fans as well.

“The last few weeks you’ve seen everything, a Millwall fanbase and a legend at a football club, how we can support each other, have a tiff and love each other. That’s brilliant, and I’m probably the only player in the football club history can do that with them.”

In the statement that he would be stepping down, he said: “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.”

CLUB 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.

Twitter users gave their reaction as Neil Harris explains more on the decision to step down as Millwall head coach…

@TonyEdward12: What a terrible way for Harris to go out embarrassing the empty stadium tonight!

@T0nyWanKen0bi: Say what you want about him he’s a club legend and won’t have anyone say any different about that. I’ve been critical of some of his lineup and subs but that’s what us as fans do, but he’s always honest in interviews like this and that’s also one thing I’ll miss about him

@CharRMFC: Time to shed some light on the real reason you’ve walked! Don’t give me this right time bollocks either but it’s not the right time for either side

@pb0299: Perform like that the rest of the season and we will be comfortable. Ivanovic definitely one for the future nowhere near ready. Danny Mac needs shipping off and a back up to leonard brought in, if he wasn’t a millwall fan he would be playing for tooting & mitcham absolutely shite

@Paraducks247: Neil Harris is an absolute Don. Saved us from relegation last year and solid start to this season too. All time Millwall top scorer too which says enough in itself. You’re a fucking legend Neil

@Jamesmck9: I’m desperate for him to come back after tonight. When he was here you could never doubt his teams effort. #ccfc

@groundsmendean: How has this happened where is the leadership from above. JB senior wouldn’t have let this happen, he wouldn’t have let Rowett go. Yes we need to be sustainable but there needs structure at our club.

@OmerMFC: Detracts a bit from the narrative of aiming thickos at the board? Probably six of one and half a dozen of the other but make of it what you will.

@mervpayne: That was a somewhat sad epilogue to Neil Harris’ latest Millwall installment. I hope it’s not his last. Can’t help feeling his recent suggestions of a lack of quality were proved though.

@BarryBrowser: To the muppets that booed at the final whistle, you shouldn’t go anymore. There’s only one Neil Harris 🦁

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