Millwall have re-appointed Neil Harris as manager following Joe Edwards’ sacking.
Since Edwards took charge in early November, Millwall have just four of 18 league games and claimed just one point in their last seven games, which has left the club sat just one point above the relegation zone.
Millwall consequently took action ahead of a tricky trip to fourth-placed Southampton on Saturday 24 February, with Edwards relieved of his duties with immediate effect.
Addressing the decision to sack Edwards, Chairman – James Berylson said: “This has of course been a very tough time and it is not a decision that we have taken lightly.
“Joe has worked incredibly hard during his spell with us and it is with sincere regret that the move hasn’t worked out for both parties in the way we had anticipated.
“I cannot praise him highly enough for his professionalism, standards, values, and work ethic, and I am confident he will have a long and successful career as a Head Coach.”
Berylson quickly turned to ex player and boss – Harris who previously managed the club between 2015-19, during which he took the Lions from League One to the Championship in 2017, and has since gone to recently manage Cambridge United.
Dave Livermore and Adam Barrett meanwhile will be Harris’ assistants at The Den.
Excited to welcome Harris back, Berylson commented: “I’d like to start by thanking Neil for taking on this challenge, which is one I know he is very excited and enthusiastic about.
“Neil knows this club as well as anybody and understands exactly what it takes to be successful here. We are in a difficult moment but he and Dave have jumped at this opportunity and that says a lot about their affection for Millwall and their fierce drive and determination to help improve performances and results.
“I look forward to working closely with Neil and Dave, and continuing to do so with Adam, and promise them all our total support for the weeks and months ahead.”
“It’s an absolute privilege to be here,” said Harris in an interview with millwallfc.co.uk about his return after not expecting to return for a second spell as manager.
“To get the phone call to be asked to come back here was an honour – a surprise as well, it came out of the blue – but I’m galvanised and energetic. I want to be here.
“We’re in a sticky situation at the moment, so there is work to be done quickly; full focus goes into the next couple of months.”
Harris also spoke of need to build “confidence” and “belief” within his squad for their battle for second-tier survival.
“Strong leadership is needed, a Millwall identity. I’m not talking about just on the pitch with style of play, I’m talking about around the training ground, building that connection between the terraces and the pitch.
“I want to build that confidence and belief in the players and I want them to see me standing on the sideline leading them as a Millwall person.
“I want them to look at me and know that I know what it takes to succeed at this football club. The passion from the players has to be there – the fans have to see that. My teams have always had that and that won’t change now.
“The fans want a Millwall team they can be proud of. They want them to have a go, the togetherness, the harmony – that’s what I need to bring. We’ve got a fight in front of us. The players are good enough, so it’s up to me to give them the confidence and the belief to do that.”
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