Alex Neil is set to be confirmed as Millwall’s new head coach, succeeding Neil Harris at The Den.
The Scot has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal and will take charge of the Lions for the first time against Oxford United on New Years Day.
Neil, 42, has been out of management since leaving Stoke City just over a year ago but brings a wealth of experience to SE16. His managerial career includes notable successes, such as leading Norwich City to promotion from the Championship in 2015 after a play-off final victory over Middlesbrough. In May 2022, Neil secured another promotion, guiding Sunderland back to the Championship with a win over Wycombe Wanderers in the League One play-off final.
After Sunderland, Neil moved to Stoke City but departed the club less than a year into his tenure. Prior to these roles, he enjoyed a nearly four-year spell as manager of Preston North End, achieving 72 wins in 191 matches. His managerial journey began at Hamilton Academical, where he also had a successful playing career and achieved his first promotion as a manager.
While the full structure of Neil’s backroom team is yet to be confirmed, interim head coach David Livermore and goalkeeping coach Andy Marshall are expected to remain part of the setup. Martin Canning, who previously served as Neil’s assistant at Sunderland and Stoke and was a teammate at Hamilton, would be an expected addition should Neil want to bring any of his own staff into the club.
The former Norwich boss is expected to be in the stands at the CBS Arena this afternoon as the Lions face Coventry.
Image: Ian Horrocks