Millwall boss reckons “at least three” signings needed before transfer window closes

Millwall head coach Neil Harris says that the Championship side need “at least three” signings before the end of the summer transfer window.

Former Charlton director of football Steve Gallen has been brought in to lead the Lions’ recruitment. However, it has proven to be a tough process so far with just four new summer arrivals.

Harris was asked after Saturday’s 4-3 defeat at Bristol City if he and the club’s board were on the same page over the need to add further to the Millwall playing squad.

“Yes, definitely,” responded Harris. “It’s important I highlight it to my fanbase. It’s important they know, I support my changing room.

“They give me everything – they have done in three games this week. It’s a tough first week, an unforgiving first week, you go away to Bristol City when we were away to Portsmouth on Tuesday and Watford at home last week.

“It’s tough when you’ve got a limited squad.

“It’s important that the players know they have my full support in that and the starting 11,I’m  so proud of them. Romain Esse, 19 years old, scored again, I’m so proud of him. There’s so many positives to take but it’s important I support players and I know they need some help.”

Asked where he feels that his squad needs strengthening and the potential number of required new faces, Harris said: “We need top end of the pitch. We are at least two players short at the top end of the pitch and in midfield, when you’re missing someone like Billy Mitchell and you are asking George Saville and Casper De Norre to cover the distances they are. They need some help. So I’d say at least three.”

Despite the Lions boss wanting to add to the top end of the pitch, his side have netted five times in two league games.

“The fans will be delighted with the attacking intent we have shown in three games,” said Harris.

“We’ve scored six goals in a week and scored five goals in two league games.

“We need to make sure we get the balance right between being attack-minded and have that flair that I want in the team but also that defensive solidity that we had last year. I want to be a good team and a good defensive unit. At the moment it’s not so much not being a good unit, it’s mistakes that have cost us.”