‘A privilege and pleasure’ – Neil Harris on ‘right time’ to be stepping down as Millwall head coach
Neil Harris has described it as a “privilege” to be Millwall head coach after his final home game in charge.
We broke the news on social media on Tuesday that the club’s all-time record goalscorer was stepping down from his position.
Harris has not left immediately and took charge of the team for tonight’s 1-0 loss to Sheffield United and will also be at the helm on Saturday at Middlesbrough.
There was to be no happy Den ending for Harris as Rhian Brewster’s first-half goal saw the Blades leave SE16 with maximum points.
George Saville and Japhet Tanganga both had efforts which hit the uprights in the first half with Femi Azeez also seeing an effort kept out by the legs of United goalkeeper Michael Cooper.
But in the second period the hosts were unable to break down their opponents as they suffered back-to-back home losses.
Harris said: “Obviously I’m disappointed in the outcome as Millwall manager, in my final game at home. But just in general it has been a tough 48 hours for everybody – quite emotional for the last 24 hours, not just for me and my family but the players, when I broke the news to them, and the staff.
“Just the way they have conducted themselves is just a privilege for me to be their manager. They are brilliant lads. The difference in the game was just that little bit of quality we lack, at times, but no lack of effort, desire and game understanding of getting into certain areas.
“It has been a privilege and a pleasure – I’m so proud to have represented this club as a player and as a leader in the dressing room. I know it is the right time for change, for all of us, and the club have been unbelievably supportive with that viewpoint.
“It is the right time for me but also the right time for the football club to go in a different direction and bring in a manager that maybe has different ideas and works in a different way to me. That can build relationships in the club – really important.
“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, his son, and it’s been an absolute privilege to have served both of them and had a great relationship with both.
“Jimmy is a good man and really supportive of me. But it was only going to be until the end of the season – I was very clear with everyone about that. Sometimes when you are heading to the January transfer window you just have to give someone new an opportunity towards that window. The timing became clear for me in the last week or two, that is was the right time for both parties.
“It is nice (for me to get a proper goodbye with the fans). We didn’t agree for the me to do the next two games for that purpose. There was no thought about what was nice for me or even the fanbase, no disrespect to them. It’s what is right for the players.
“I didn’t feel that it was right to leave caretakers in charge for Sheffield United at home, the best team in the league, and Middlesbrough away, who are also very, very good.
“I take those two really tough fixtures and leave the pathway for someone to come in, 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.
“My statement said it all – it was an outpouring of emotion and gratitude to the football club, Jimmy and his family, John our late owner, John’s wife Amy – Jimmy’s mum – who is a beautiful lady and been so supportive of me, but also the fans as well.
“The last few weeks have seen everything that a Millwall fanbase and a legend at a football club, how we can support each other – have a tiff and love each other. That is brilliant. I’m probably the only player in the club’s history that can do that with them.”
PICTURES: ALAMY AND BRIAN TONKS