Former Millwall manager Gary Rowett has shared his reaction to the news that Neil Harris will step down as Millwall’s head coach after Saturday’s match against Middlesbrough.
Speaking on Sky Soccer Special, Rowett expressed surprise and praised Harris’s contributions to the club.
“I think it’s a surprise to most people,” Rowett said. “When you look at Neil’s stature at the club, coming back for a second spell as a manager, he’s been there as a player, he’s held in really high esteem by everyone at Millwall. He’s very synonymous with the club.”
Rowett, who succeeded Harris in 2019 after a four-and-a-half-year spell by the Lions legend, acknowledged the significance of Harris leaving on his own terms this time around.
“I think it’s always one of those where you want to go on your own terms, you want to try and protect that legacy,” Rowett explained. “Coming back and keeping the team up in a very difficult position last season and getting the team into a really good position this season.
“For whatever reason, he obviously feels that he’s on a high. He leaves with his head held high because the previous time it probably ended maybe not on his terms, and that’s important. I think he’s done a fabulous job. I think the club are in a position now because of the work he has done, they are able to move forward in a slightly different way. He’s obviously done it for his reasons.”
When asked about the direction Millwall might take under new leadership, Rowett highlighted the club’s focus on sustainability.
“I think they have spoken publicly about being a bit more self-sustainable,” he said. “When owners and people at football clubs say that, it means they want to start producing players of value and have a player trading model. I think that’s something perhaps the club hadn’t done previously under James Berylson’s dad, John. I’ve worked with both people—they are both great people, the family are fantastic. I feel maybe that is the route they might look to go down.”
On whether he would consider a return to The Den, Rowett was noncommittal but lighthearted.
“I think I have managed them once before, I’m sure I have,” he joked.
With Wycombe manager Matt Bloomfield emerging as an early favorite for the role, Rowett weighed in on the potential appointment.
“I think the Matt Bloomfield one is a really difficult one because, obviously, he’s had a really good spell with Wycombe in that division,” he said. “But it’s a tough club to manage, it’s not an easy club to manage. It’s in a great position, and there will be so many people who will want that job. But I think it’s so important to get it right because of the work that’s been done and the foundations that are there. Can you take it on to the next step? That’s going to be the biggest challenge.”
Image: Millwall FC