‘He just makes people better around him’ – Millwall boss praises Shaun Williams after drop into non-league

Neil Harris has praised Shaun Williams’ appetite for the game after the former Millwall midfielder – now 37 – joined National League South side Eastbourne Borough.

The pair worked together both during their time at the Lions – winning the League One play-offs in 2017 when Harris was manager – and also at Gillingham.

Williams made 295 appearances for Millwall and also collected three caps for the Republic of Ireland.

Lions head coach Harris told the South London Press: “I spoke in the summer to Willo about playing and about coaching – we had a good chat. It was clear that Willo wanted to carry on playing.

“He had the drive and desire to want to carry on playing. I advised him, while he has got that mentality, to do it. He is not going to be going on forever and he wanted to carry on playing – so I told him to find the best-suited club for himself.

“It is a different challenge for him, dropping a couple of leagues and being more part-time.

“I enjoyed all different levels I played at. I told him: ‘Enjoy the levels you have played at. You have played international football and Championship for most of your caree. You’ve played League One and League Two – now drop into non-league and give it a go’.

“He has had a really good and prolonged career due to professionalism, attitude to want to win and push himself to be the best he can.

“It is about Shaun Williams’ enjoyment but also what he is giving back to the game that is important with older players. When I took him to Gillingham it wasn’t just because I knew he was going to be a very good player in League One or League Two. It was because I knew what he would bring to the changing room – the leadership and experience he would give to people around him.

“He just makes people better around him.”

PICTURE: PA