Millwall have confirmed that Neil Harris will step down as their manager following the Lions’ game against Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon.
Bristol City’s Championship rivals confirmed in an official statement on Tuesday afternoon that they had reached a mutual agreement with the 47-year-old that will see him step down as head coach at The Den after the trip to the Riverside this weekend.
Harris returned to East London for a second spell in charge of the Lions in February of this year and helped Millwall avoid relegation to League One after a disappointing spell under the management of Joe Edwards.
Under the guidance of the 47-year-old, the East London club have had a reasonable start to the season and currently sit 11th in the Championship table, level on points with the Robins, six points adrift of the play-off places and a comfortable eight points clear of the relegation zone.
Discussing Harris’ departure, Millwall chairman James Berylson 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.
“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. As we look forward, the appointment of our next head coach will align with the clear strategy and vision I have previously laid out for the future of Millwall Football Club, both on and off the pitch.”
Whoever takes charge of the Lions following Saturday afternoon’s game will take charge of a squad that includes a couple of former Bristol City players. Reds academy graduate Joe Bryan has been a regular under Harris so far this season while attacking midfielder George Saville also spent time at Ashton Gate under the management of Steve Cotterill.
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City have already played Millwall once this season with the Reds running out 4-3 winners in one of the most chaotic games of the season so far, with Scott Twine’s late winner off of the bench ensuring all three points remained in the West Country.
Liam Manning’s Robins don’t make the trip to The Den for the reverse fixture until March 1 and at this moment in time, it remains unclear who will have taken charge of the Lions by that stage of the season, but director of football Steve Gallen insists the recruitment process is already underway.
“We respect Neil’s decision and he departs with the best wishes of everybody at the club, Gallen explained. “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.”