HARRIS: TIME TO FORGET MY PAST AT DEN
NEIL Harris’ legendary status at The Den means Millwall fans may cut him some slack but the new Lions boss is adamant he should only be judged on his managerial achievements.
Having been in caretaker charge since Ian Holloway left the club in March, Harris was appointed as manager on a permanent basis earlier this week – just 24 hours after their relegation to League One was confirmed.
The 37-year-old, who racked up 138 goals in 432 appearances for the club as a player, will now try to mastermind an instant return to the second tier but wants no favours from the Lions faithful.
“I’m well-liked by the fans for what I achieved on the pitch but it’s important for me to separate the two,” explained Harris.
“As a player, yes, I had a very successful career at the club and thoroughly enjoyed it. Now I’m going to be judged as a manager and I have no qualms with that whatsoever.
“You always go into a new job with a nervousness about what’s in front of you and this is a new position for me, but there is also huge excitement.
“I will be judged by the fans and so will the players. You should be judged every day in what you do, and you have to step up to the challenge.”
A run of three games without a win, coupled with Rotherham’s victory on Tuesday, condemned Millwall to their fate but former Lions defender Matt Lawrence has seen enough from Harris to be optimistic about the future.
“Neil has been a breath of fresh air,” said the 40-yearold.“In the last few games he has completely changed the mentality of the team.
“The players are willing to work hard for Neil – I don’t think that was always the case in the last couple of months of Ian Holloway’s reign.”