Millwall head coach Neil Harris has refused to confirm where he will be upon the expiration of his contract in South London next summer but does have his future in mind.
The 46-year-old has had a colourful season to say the least as he started the season managing League Two side Gillingham before being dismissed in October. He would then go on to manage League One Cambridge United from December 2023 to February before re-joining the Lions.
The former Millwall player started his second stint at the New Den with the club in 21st position in the Championship, just one point above the drop zone but would lead them to a comfortable 13th-placed finish following five wins in a row, including six clean sheets in just 13 games.
Harris will have a fight on his hands to keep some of his star players this summer with interest in star playmaker Zian Flemming amongst others but there are plenty of positives, as well as even more momentum, to take into the next season.
They’d end the season on a win, defeating Swansea City 1-0 with a first goal for the club for Casper De Norre. Both teams would go on to receive a red card apiece, Jerry Yates for the Welsh club and Japhet Tanganga for the Lions and Harris was not happy about his man’s dismissal when speaking to the London Standard post-match.
“At the time I only saw Yates’ punch. He deserved to go, it angered me. I’ve seen it back and there was a scuffle before it. I think that’s down to the panel to decide do they both deserve to go?
“Japhet has told me he hasn’t swung a punch, but you’ve got to be careful if you push a player how that’s interpreted by the referee.”
Speaking on his future, Harris continued:
“When I took over with 13 games to go and we were level points with 22nd or 23rd in league I didn’t envisage what would happen,”
“I made it very clear to come here for the next 15 months, to enjoy myself at a football club I love and build that culture.
“Beyond that is not something on my radar, I’m just here to help the club back to where it should be – fighting for that top-half finish.”
Writer’s View
During his first stint with the club, Harris was successful without ever really pulling up any trees The ending to the current season should certainly get fans excited for next year and the Lions are certainly one to watch out for.
A man of Harris’ experience will surely be able to continue to steady the ship and build for the future. He’s already partly managed it after taking over from Joe Edwards and now will want to get his own players in and see where he can take the Lions next season and potentially beyond depending on his plans.
