When you think of Millwall, there are a few players that spring to mind who are considered to be club legends: Barry Kitchener, Les Briley, and Tim Cahill to name a few.
All three of these players made their mark on the South-London club during their time at The Den (The New Den in the case of Cahill), but now there’s a new name that surely has to be added to that list.
The Millwall Way
‘The Millwall way’ is something only Millwall fans and ex-players and managers will understand. It involves having no fear of the opposition, pressing the ball high up the pitch, not pulling out of challenges and playing direct Football.
Neil Harris is one that fully epitomises this way of life that Millwall fans and players live by every day of the year.
The Player
Neil Harris is the club’s all-time leading goal-scorer with 138 goals for the Lions across two spells making an impressive 380 appearances. After difficult spells under Steve Lomas and Ian Holloway whilst in the Championship – the Lions faithful needed someone to bring ‘the Millwall way’ back to the club.
The Manager
When Holloway was sacked after a humiliating 4-1 defeat at home to Norwich City on the 10th March 2015, the Lions sat second from bottom and faced relegation to the third division. Harris had been managing the club’s under-21 side and was appointed as manager for the rest of the season.
He went on to win two games and draw four in the club’s final nine games of the season. This included a 2-1 win over local rivals Charlton Athletic and a 2-0 win over fellow relegation contenders Wigan Athletic. However, it wasn’t enough, and the South-Londoner’s fate was sealed after Rotherham’s 2-1 victory over Reading.
Less than 24-hours after being relegated following Rotherham’s win over Reading, Harris was appointed as manager on a full-time basis with his first job being getting the Lions back into the Championship.
After a difficult start the following season, only managing one in in his first six matches in charge, the Lions went on to win their next three games. Harris eventually led Millwall to a fourth-place finish in the league before beating Bradford City 4-2 on aggregate in the League One play-off semi-finals. The Lions eventually lost 3-1 to Barnsley in the play-off Final at Wembley.
The 2016/17 season would see the Lions finish sixth in League One, just sneaking into the play-offs thanks to a dramatic 4-3 win at Bristol Rovers on the final day of the campaign. They then went on to beat Scunthorpe United 3-2 on aggregate in the play-off semi-finals before a late Steve Morison goal earned the South-Londoner’s promotion back to the Championship against Bradford, at the second time of asking.
The Lions picked up their first win back in English Football’s second division, with an emphatic 4-0 against Norwich City after two draws and two losses in their first four league games. The team had to wait until January however, before they picked up their first away league win of the season with a dramatic 4-3 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road.
Unbeaten runs and Play-off pushes
The Lions went unbeaten in their next 15 league games pushing them just outside the promotion places. A 3-0 loss at home to Fulham and a 2-0 loss away at Middlesbrough burst the South Londoner’s play-off hopes, but a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa on the final day of the season ensured an eighth place finish for Harris’ Lions in their first season back in the second division.
A Reality Check
The Lions faithful entered the new season with renewed optimism due to the team’s performances the previous year. In a frustrating campaign with many late goals conceded from winning positions, Millwall finished 21st in the league, just avoiding relegation.
Given how well the team done the previous season, many viewed the year as a reality check for a club somewhat punching above their weight.
Following the Lions final home game of the campaign against Bristol City, Harris spoke passionately about the team’s season and expressed his desire to change things in the summer.
In the summer, the Lions released seven players and signed eight in one of their biggest summer overhauls in recent years.
Final Days
Harris’ Lions had a tricky start to the league campaign with only two wins, both at home against Preston North End and Sheffield Wednesday. A draw against Hull City and a 2-1 loss at home to Queens Park Rangers meant the South Londoners only took seven points out of a possible 12 in their first four league games at home under Harris’ reign.
On the road, it was becoming even more frustrating for the Lions faithful with only four points gained from a possible 18 in the league. This included a humiliating 4-0 loss away at Fulham.
The fan base was becoming increasingly frustrated by the performances and many felt it was time for Harris to walk away with the Lions failing to win in any of Harris’ last eight games in charge.
And so, after the 1-1 draw away at Luton Town in early October, Harris resigned.
In a statement made via the League Manager’s Association, Harris said: “After 17 fantastic seasons as player, coach and manager, at a uniquely wonderful football club, yesterday, I decided to inform the board of my decision to step down from my position at Millwall Football Club.
“It is not a decision that was made with haste. However, I believe it to be the right decision at the right time, not only for the club, but for me and my family also.
“I truly believe that I leave the club in a very healthy position in terms of infrastructure, staffing and playing squad which gives a new manager a platform to continue the club’s development.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to the chairman John Berylson and the board of directors, not only for the opportunity to manage a club I love, but also for their unwavering support and guidance at all times. And lastly, to the heartbeat of the club, the very loyal fanbase that supported my team up and down the country. I hope I’ve repaid your trust in me with a lot of happy memories.”
What Makes A Man A Legend?
During his time in charge, Harris led the Lions to two Wembley play-off finals, secured promotion back to the Championship, led the club to an amazing eighth place finish on their return to the second division and also took the Lions to two FA Cup Quarter Finals beating a whole host of Premier League teams along the way.
But it’s not the results that are the only reason as to why Harris must be considered a Millwall legend. Its his pure love for the club and fan base that he has stuck with through thick and thin, through the good times and the bad.
Harris understood what the fans wanted to see from their team on the pitch and installed the ‘Millwall way’ into his players – keeping the sometimes-controversial fan base on his side for the most part.
In this day and age of modern Football, it is highly unlikely that we will see another Neil Harris story. A record goal scorer managing the club to it’s fair share of success too, totalling an impressive 17 years as both a player and a manager.
It takes guts for anyone to walk away, but in doing so, Harris confirms his status as a Millwall legend.
