NEIL HARRIS has quit Millwall for the second time in his career.
The manager resigned from the club back in 2019, and now he is stepping down again.
Harris will quit as Millwall manager after the clash against Middlesborough on Saturday.
This means he will have two more games in the dugout, with the first against table-toppers Sheffield United on Wednesday evening.
Despite the club’s strong form at the end of the previous campaign under Harris, it has not been continued this term.
Harris, 47, was the manager of Millwall for the first time between 2015 and 2019.
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However, he left the South London club by resignation in October 2019 before going on to join Cardiff City the following month.
Harris rejoined the Lions in February on an 18-month contract with the club, threatened with relegation from the Championship.
The Lions were just one point above the bottom three, but he led them to a 13th-place finish, winning all five of their final games to the season.
However, his term as manager has been cut short after a confirmed statement by Millwall.
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Millwall are currently 13th in the division, having seen their nine-game unbeaten streak come to an end in their last match.
Lions chairman James Berylson hailed Harris’ work during his stint in charge and insisted that he “accepted” the coach’s decision.
Millwall statement on Harris
Millwall released a statement on the exit fo Neil Harris as manager.
It read: “Millwall Football Club can confirm a mutual decision has been reached with Neil Harris to step down from his role as head coach following the Lions’ trip to Middlesbrough on Saturday.
“Neil returned to the club in February 2024 with an immediate focus of steering the club away from the relegation zone.
“He successfully achieved this after collecting 26 points from a possible 33.”
Gallen on Harris’ exit
Millwall’s director of football Steve Gallen insisted that the recuitment process is underway to replace Neil Harris.
He said: “We respect Neil’s decision and he departs with the best wishes of everybody at the club.
“Since I joined in May, I have enjoyed my time working alongside Neil and I thank him for his efforts during this period.
“A comprehensive recruitment process is already underway for a new head coach.
“The direction we as a club want to head in is clear and the next head coach will play a pivotal role in helping us execute our strategy.”
He said: “At the start of 2024, we found ourselves in a tough spot.
“Neil came in and along with his coaching staff galvanised the squad.
“Through action and leadership, he led Millwall on a magnificent run of form, ensuring our return to Championship football this season.
“I want to thank Neil for all his efforts since returning to the Club and we will be forever grateful to him for that.
“After discussions with Neil in recent days, he felt it was the right time to step down from the role following the Middlesbrough game and I have accepted his decision.”
On Saturday, they were beaten by Coventry City 1-0 at The Den.
It was after that result that Harris claimed people needed a reality check.
He said: “That is where people have to get their heads out of the clouds and realise how well we’ve done to achieve what we have so far. And how tough it is for us as a group.
“Right at the end we put the ball in the box and one of my young centre-forwards and one of my young wingers are standing outside of the penalty area.
“It shows a lot of learning we have got in front of us.
“You miss Romain [Esse], you miss Japhet [Tanganga] and you miss Jake Cooper.
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“Three players that probably get in any Championship team.
“Just a reminder to people, the thickos, that when you take the three best players out of the team that this is Millwall Football Club.”
Harris’ letter to fans
Neil Harris penned an open letter to fans after it was announced that he would be stepping fown from Millwall..
It read: “Today I am announcing that I will be leaving Millwall Football Club after Saturday’s game against Middlesbrough.
“This isn’t an easy decision, as everyone knows this club is more than a job to me, it’s my club, and always will be.
“Being here always felt like home, as a player, as a captain, and as a manager.
“We are a family, and it’s been my life for so many years.
“But I always said when I returned that I would leave when the time felt right, and now is that time. Coming back last season and all the highs that came with it will never be rivalled.
“It was one of the highlights of my career. We fought together as a team, as fans and as a united football club.
“We have some special characters in this team. They are dedicated and hungry to do well. With the right encouragement and support, I’m sure they can achieve great things.
“I would like to thank all the staff at the club for their loyalty and support and especially the owner James Berylson, for welcoming me back. He’s been superb to work with, and I will always be grateful for the great friendship we shared.
“We have the most passionate fans in the country, and your support has meant the world to me. We are often misunderstood, but the uniqueness of Millwall is also what makes us so special.
“I wish all of my friends at Millwall Football Club the best for the rest of the season and I will see you soon.”
“Chopper.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
