Neil Harris Reveals Future Plans After Millwall Resignation

Neil Harris has confirmed that he has no immediate plans to return to football management after stepping down as Millwall head coach.

Harris, who resigned following Millwall’s 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough on Saturday, says he is “full of energy, excitement and passion for football” but is looking forward to taking time to reflect and spend the festive period with family.

No Immediate Return

Speaking after the game, Harris confirmed he has no immediate plans to jump back into a managerial role, instead opting to take time to recharge and observe the game from a different perspective.

“No plans to be back in the dugout soon,” Harris said. “I’ve really enjoyed this spell, it’s been amazing, it’s been a whirlwind ten months. I’ve loved it, I’m full of energy and excitement and passion for football. Over the coming weeks and months we’re going to travel around the country, see some friends at Premier League clubs, go in and watch them train and watch their games. I’ll do the same in the Championship, League One and League Two.

He added: “My local team and my team, Southend, I’ll be there to watch their games as well. Reflection time on the job, time with the family especially over the Christmas period – someone told me Christmas is coming soon! So I look forward to that, I haven’t had many of them at home over the last 30 years in football. And then – who knows?”

Reflection on Millwall’s Season

Harris assessed the squad he is leaving behind, highlighting its competitiveness in the Championship despite recent struggles. “I think it’s competitive at the level. Over ten months we’ve not lost a game by more than one goal, which is important in every game. It’s a squad that’s fourth or fifth on the list for points picked up since February. It shows it’s competitive.”

He acknowledged that stepping down now would provide Millwall with an opportunity to prepare for the January transfer window under new leadership. “To give the club every opportunity to act in the next transfer window, for a new regime to come in, new leadership qualities, a different voice, different ideas,” Harris explained. “I think the squad is really competitive, some really good players in there. Whether the top six is slightly too far away this season, it’s certainly competitive and shouldn’t be in the bottom six.”

Writer’s View

Neil Harris’ departure marks the end of a short era for Millwall, where his connection with the club has been pivotal. His decision to step aside at this juncture shows his consideration for the club’s long-term goals. While the team has struggled in recent weeks, Harris leaves behind a solid foundation for his successor to build upon. His next steps, observing and learning from across the football pyramid, could prove invaluable for his eventual return to management.

 

Gary Hutchinson is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Real EFL, which he launched in 2018 to offer dedicated coverage of the English Football League. A writer for over 20 years, Gary has contributed to Sky Sports and the Lincolnshire Echo, while also authoring Suited and Booted. He also runs The Stacey West and possesses a background in iGaming content strategy and English football betting. Passionate about football journalism, Gary continues to develop The Real EFL into a key authority in the EFL space.

RELATED ARTICLES

BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT

Leave a Reply