‘I don’t want to give closure’ – Millwall boss Harris keen to work again with departing defender

Neil Harris has expressed his hope that he will work again with Shaun Hutchinson – describing the defender’s service to Millwall as “fantastic”.

The Lions announced last month that the experienced centre-back was being released.

Hutchinson made 257 appearances for Millwall and was a key part of their side, which won the League One play-offs in 2017.

It was the Geordie’s late winner at Bristol Rovers on the final day of that season that secured the Lions’ play-off place.

Hutchinson, 33, joined Millwall on a free transfer from Fulham in 2016 – when Harris, who returned to the South London club in February as head coach, was then manager.

“Shaun has been fantastic for the football club,” Harris told the South London Press. “He is a fantastic human being, he is a wonderful man and an unbelievably top professional footballer – off the pitch. His performances on it, in a Millwall shirt, will be remembered for a long time.

“Hutch’s chapter at this football club is, I’m sure, not closed over the foreseeable future.

“His standing at the club is very, very high. He’s very well-respected by his peers in the changing room, by the staff, by the board and certainly by myself.

“I’ve loved working with Hutch and would love to work with him in the future.

“I don’t want to give closure to Shaun Hutchinson’s Millwall life because he is such an iconic figure, certainly over my tenure in charge.

“I talk about players and people who are infectious, command respect and truly are respected.

“I leave the door open for Shaun for future relationships with our football club in the days, weeks, months and years ahead because that is how highly I class him.

“There have been so many inspirational and positive moments in a Millwall shirt that he should be held in that high regard.”