Neil Harris said that he will step down as Millwall manager following the Middlesbrough game.
Neil Harris explains his unexpected exit from Millwall, ahead of his final game against Middlesbrough on Saturday.
Harris returned to Millwall for a second term in command in February and has led the club to a strong start to the season. Following a weekend defeat to Coventry City, Harris announced his departure following the Boro game, citing a mutual decision.
Harris subsequently took command of his farewell game at the Den on Wednesday evening, when his team was defeated 1-0 by Sheffield United, after which Harris elaborated on his decision and expressed optimism for Saturday’s trip to the Riverside.
Harris told the club website, “I’m extremely proud of what we accomplished.” It was odd to realise tonight that this would be my final game at the Den as Millwall manager. I’ll return as a fan, friend of the club, and who knows what else at some point.
“I’ve been fortunate to be associated with this club for the last 25 years or so as a player, coach, and manager, and I’m really pleased of everything we’ve accomplished. I can only thank James Berylson for bringing me back into the club. I just think it’s time for someone else to lead this bunch of athletes forward.
“There will be an important transfer window coming up. A new player can be added in the coming weeks, and they can use both the transfer window and the summer one to really stamp their mark on this squad. It’s been fantastic, and there have been some memorable moments.
“There are many reasons behind the choice, but now is not the time to discuss them. It’s a privilege to be Millwall manager, and I’ll keep it for the next 72 hours before passing it on.”
Millwall are 13th in the Championship, having lost consecutively to Coventry and Sheffield United prior to their trip to Teesside. They have not won any of their past five games. Prior to their two losses, they had gone nine games unbeaten, including wins at home over Burnley and Leeds United.
Regarding his hopes for Middlesbrough, Harris added: “I just told the players in the dressing room that it’s been a strange 48 hours and there have been a few tears. Many individuals were taken aback by the news, which is why it was so crucial to spread the word.
“I’m upset we didn’t get anything out of tonight’s game because it’s back-to-back home losses. I don’t want to finish with three defeats. We don’t deserve it after all we’ve accomplished in the past 10 months. So, over the weekend, I’ll select a team that is as professional as our dressing room, and we’ll trust on our skill and the culture that we’ve established here to ensure a successful performance.
“I didn’t think it was appropriate to leave caretakers in charge of Sheffield United at home, the greatest club in the league, and Middlesbrough away, who are also very excellent.I take those two extremely difficult fixtures and clear the path for someone to enter.
“The game versus Blackburn at home is not simple. But then it leaves the football club with five games, including Sheffield Wednesday, to evaluate the team on a regular basis and inside games coming up to the transfer window.”“It’s not an easy game against Blackburn at home. But then it leaves the football club with five games, leading up to and including Sheffield Wednesday, for someone to assess the squad on a daily basis and within games leading up to the transfer window.”
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