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

Neil Harris has confirmed he will step down as Millwall’s head coach, with Saturday’s match against Middlesbrough set to be his final game in charge.

The club announced the news on Tuesday, accompanied by an open letter from Harris to the fans, in which he reflected on his time at the club and explained his decision.

Harris described the choice to leave as a difficult one, given his deep connection to the club.

“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,” he wrote. “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.”

Harris returned to the club last season and played a key role in some memorable moments as the Lions who looked destined for League One roared to Championship safety which he said will remain highlights of his career.

“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,” he said.

He expressed confidence in the squad’s potential for future success, praising the players’ character and determination.

“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,” he added.

Harris extended his gratitude to the club’s staff and owner James Berylson, highlighting the strong relationship they had built during his tenure.

“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,” he said.

Finally, Harris reserved heartfelt words for Millwall’s passionate supporters, emphasising their unique spirit.

“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.”

Image: Millwall FC

Neil Harris is stepping down from his role as Millwall head coach after Saturday’s clash at Middlesbrough.

Harris returned in February on an 18th month contract to replace Joe Edwards after his four month reign saw the club plummet towards League One.

Harris’ arrival sparked an upturn in form which saw the Lions rise up the table and secure their place in the Championship for another season – they went on to finish 13th ending the season with five consecutive wins.

That form has transitioned into this campaign with notable victories over Leeds United and Burnley.

The Lions have taken 51 points from 31 games since Harris arrived back in SE16 only Leeds and Middlesbrough have taken more in that period.

Chairman James Berylson confirmed the decision was a mutual one in a statement on the clubs website.

“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.”

“I join everybody associated with Millwall by wishing Neil the very best. He will always be welcome back to The Den as a friend, colleague, and Lion.”

Director of Football Steve Gallen added “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.”

Image: Millwall FC

Millwall’s nine-match unbeaten run in the Championship came to an end as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Coventry City at the Den.

Ephron Mason-Clark’s decisive goal, his second in as many games, came from a Jack Rudoni cross, sealing victory for the Sky Blues.

Millwall head coach Neil Harris expressed his disappointment after the match.

“I’m disappointed with the result, obviously,” Harris said. “Just lacked quality, didn’t we? No problem handling the football at times, but in the transition, we gave it away a few times too cheaply which gave us problems in the first half. In the first half, we were the slightly better team but with no end product and no creativity.”

Harris was quick to acknowledge Coventry’s second-half performance, particularly the impact of their substitutes.

“Second half, Coventry had a good 10-minute spell around the goal and looked dangerous. Their subs made a real difference. They had some really good players coming off the bench. We just looked like a team that was trying really hard and just lacked the moments.”

“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,” he said. “Right at the end, we put the ball in the box, and one of my young centre-forwards and young wingers are standing outside of the penalty area. It shows a lot of learning we have got in front of us. That’s levels, as we know. That is why you rely on players to have those moments, and we lacked that level today.”

Millwall had a first-half goal controversially disallowed, with Joe Bryan’s effort from a corner ruled out for a foul on Coventry goalkeeper Brad Collins. Harris was critical of the decision.

“I thought the referee got it wrong,” he stated.

The Lions were hampered by the absence of key players, including their first-choice centre-back pairing of Jake Cooper and Japhet Tanganga, as well as Shaun Hutchinson and Romain Esse.

“You miss Romain, you miss Japhet, and you miss Jake Cooper. Three players that probably get in any Championship team,” Harris said. “Just a reminder to people, the thickos, that when you take the three best players out of the team, this is Millwall Football Club.”

Image: Millwall FC