Results have been a ‘stark improvement’ under Neil Harris – as Millwall boss has glass half-full approach

Neil Harris has talked about the “stark improvement” in results since he has returned to Millwall.

The Lions won their first two Championship matches after he took the head coach job, replacing Joe Edwards last month.

Millwall had been winless in seven games, losing six of them, prior to parting company with the former Chelsea and Everton coach.

Harris was only denied a hat-trick of victories by a 1-1 draw at Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night.

Michael Obafemi had fired the Lions into a second-half lead but Sammie Szmodics punished a defensive lapse.

Harris told the South London Press: “I asked the boys in the changing room afterwards: ‘Are you glass half full or glass half empty?’ The positive is that the lads were disappointed only to get a point after being in front.

“It was another performance where we controlled the game but the lads were frustrated with the execution of the passes at times. We thought we’d be good enough, resilient enough and disciplined enough to see the game through.

“So to give away a poor goal was frustrating for the group.

“Ultimately seven points from three games is a fantastic return and a stark improvement on the last few weeks by the group of players.

“The lads were quick to point out as well that we had a great result at Southampton, a brilliant atmosphere at The Den with a strong result against Watford and then a good point on the road at Blackburn. We need to follow it up at The Den on Saturday. We need the same atmosphere and the fans to come with the same mindset – to support the group.

“The players have to perform again, like we did last week.”

Obafemi replaced Aidomo Emakhu at the start of the second half. Emakhu played both wide right and through the middle in the first period – he had 16 touches of the ball in the opening 45 minutes with Obafemi managing 17.

“We knew after Saturday’s game that Michael couldn’t go in again – that is why I spoke openly in my press conference about managing Michael’s minutes,” said Harris. “Everyone has to be patient – me included! I really have to be patient with the centre-forward situation because we are obviously very light in terms of bodies at the top end of the pitch.

“It was how far we could push Michael. I took the advice of sports science that bringing him on at half-time was probably the maximum. I just felt we didn’t impact enough at the top end of the pitch in the first half and that Michael would give us something different.

“I’m really pleased with his impact when he came on and delighted he got the goal.”

Obafemi had not scored since February 2023.

“Michael’s pedigree is fantastic,” said Harris. “His performances, in spells and when he’s been fit, have been very impressive.

“We just have to make sure we get him up to speed. Michael is a Premier League player and an international player. The fans haven’t seen the best of him yet. He is going to continue to get better. We’re working hard with him, to keep improving him.

“He knows what is needed as a number nine for the team at the moment and he wants to deliver that.”