Home tie was Millwall head coach’s sole desire once chance of FA Cup tie against West Ham was ended

Neil Harris has given his verdict on Monday night’s FA Cup draw, with the Millwall head coach stating once again that he had hoped to face West Ham United in the competition.

The Lions boss has talked before about his desire to take on the east Londoners.

And Millwall came close – at least geographically – when Dion Dublin drew out Dagenham & Redbridge’s ball.

West Ham head to Aston Villa.

Harris said: “As soon as West Ham came out as the second tie then I just wanted to be at home.

“The location is very close but they (Dagenham and West Ham) are very different football clubs with two separate identities. It would have been lovely as Millwall manager to manage against West Ham. But then it is just about a home tie.

“It will be a great opportunity for Dagenham, as a non-league club, to go to a Championship side and it is a London derby. They will be looking to try and cause an upset. For us, we see it as an opportunity to progress to the next round provided we have the right mentality to play against a lower division team at home.”

PICTURE: BRIAN TONKS