‘This second spell has been special’ – Millwall head coach Neil Harris bows out after defeat at Middlesbrough

Neil Harris was disappointed to end his Millwall reign with a defeat but was keen to reflect on how far the football club has come over the last 10 months.

The outgoing head coach has reflected on his long-standing association with the club with immense pride and emotion, marking the end of a 26-year story.

The Lions lost 1-0 at Middlesbrough this afternoon.

“I was desperate to get a positive result today, just as I was on Wednesday night against Sheffield United,” Harris told Millwall TV. “The fact that we’ve lost back-to-back games doesn’t define what we’ve achieved as a group or as a football club over the past 10 months.

“As much as I’m a winner and hate losing, it’s always been about the same thing at this football club – penalty areas. Whether it’s under me, Joe, Gary, or Kenny before, the outcome of games often hinges on those key areas. That’s football. I’m not dwelling on today’s result—I’m more focused on reflecting on the 10 months as a whole.

“This second spell as manager has been special, and I couldn’t be prouder of the players. They’ve given everything—day in and day out. They’re a phenomenal group of lads, and today was no different.”

Reflecting on the game itself, Harris said: “In the end, we were chasing the game, and they got a few one-on-ones—that’s football. But the game was won and lost in the first half, during a 10-minute spell.

“We could’ve been 2-0 up in the opening seconds, but we missed two one-on-ones. They went up the other end, took their chance, and scored. It comes back to the penalty areas—that’s what it always is. Our shape, desire, build-up play—it was all exceptional again. But that’s football, whether it’s the Championship, Premier League, or League Two—it’s always about both penalty areas, and that’s the area the club continues to work on.”

Harris said an emotional goodbye to the travelling fans that made the long trip north.

“It’s a shame we were 600 miles away, but it was nice to show my appreciation to the supporters on behalf of myself and my family.

“My relationship with this football club has been incredible, and I’ve cherished most moments of it. The club has been brilliant to me—through tough times as a player and twice as a manager. I’m confident I will leave the club in safe hands under James [Berylson].”

Harris shared his final message to his players.

“I told them it’s time for the club to reset. The board will find the right man for the job, and when they do, everyone needs to get behind him. This football club is at its best when it’s a united force—a juggernaut. That’s what needs to happen next.”

The Lions legend confirmed that the decision to step down was his as he felt it was the right time for both parties to separate.

“My decision to leave was made with the club’s best interests at heart.

“Every decision I’ve made—whether as a player or manager—has always been for the good of Millwall. I’ll be back as a fan, a supporter, and a friend to Jimmy. I’m content with this mutual parting—it’s the right time for everyone. I can’t thank the club and everyone here enough.”