Neil Harris: Millwall survival success up there as one of most satisfying managerial achievements

Not all heroes wears capes. In the case of Neil Harris – and his return to The Den on February 21 – it was Millwall training gear and pristine white trainers.

Make no mistake, the Lions were in serious peril of the Championship drop when they sacked Joe Edwards after 19 games in charge.

Harris, who was boss when Millwall went up via the League One play-offs in 2017, won eight of the 13 matches remaining.

The 47-year-old has tasted success in SE16 in the managerial dugout – including a 17-game unbeaten run in the Championship in 2018 which took them so close to a top-six finish in their first campaign back in England’s second tier.

Harris’ return, quitting Cambridge United, was pivotal in that status remaining intact.

“It is a completely different achievement for me – I’ve been fortunate to be successful at Wembley, to be promoted and have a successful Championship season,” he told the South London Press this week. “Last year was a completely different challenge.

“It was a squad I inherited, rather than built. It was a squad that was low on confidence and used to losing. It was a challenge of management and group management as well as tactical management. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

“The response of the players was evident. To stay in the division was the most important thing.

“To do it in the manner we did, with the environment and characteristics we built so quickly – was huge success.

“It is certainly one of my top two or three successes as a manager.

“I’ll continue leading, galvanising and showing our changing room what it is to play for this football club – to educate. However, that then comes from the players as well, their spirit and ability.”

Harris has bossed Millwall 261 times, including a short caretaker spell in the 2013-14 season.

The Lions start the 2024-25 Championship season at home to Watford tomorrow.