Yahoo Sports Millwall head coach Harris to leave club
Millwall head coach Neil Harris will leave the club following Saturday's trip to Middlesbrough.
The Lions are currently 11th in the Championship and have not won in their past four games.
Harris returned for his second stint in charge of the club in February on a contract until June 2025.
The 47-year-old said it was not an easy decision to leave Millwall, where he remains their all-time leading goalscorer and previously spent four years as manager from 2015-2019.
"Everyone knows this club is more than a job to me, it's my club, and always will be," Harris said.
"I always said when I returned that I would leave when the time felt right, and now is that time."
Millwall were one point above the relegation zone when Harris took over in February last season and he went on to steer them to 13th in the Championship.
They have won six of their 18 games so far this season and are six points off the play-off places, with defeat at home by Coventry on Saturday their first loss in 10 games - although they did not register a single shot on target.
They face Sheffield United at home on Wednesday in what will be Harris' final time in The Den dugout, before the trip to the Riverside on Saturday.
A club statement said recruitment is already under way for Harris' successor, with interim management plans to be announced after the weekend.
"A comprehensive recruitment process was already under way for a new head coach," said director of football Steve Gallen.
"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."
Chairman James Berylson said he accepted Harris' decision after discussions together in recent days.
"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," he said.
'Not the time for experimentation'
Analysis - Aaron Paul, EFL presenter for BBC Radio 5 Live and the 72+ podcast
When Neil Harris returned to take control of Millwall in February, the remit from owner James Berylson was simple - save us.
The Lions were 21st after the tumultuous reign of Joe Edwards was ended and Harris came in trying to reignite the old Millwall - pragmatic, strong and disciplined - in a fight for Championship survival.
The impact of the man they call 'Chopper' was instant. A 2-1 win at would-be promoted Southampton showed that Millwall spirit, and fans were given a glimpse of the past and what was to come.
The Lions built on that performance, picking up 26 points to finish well clear of danger in 13th, but a big summer was required.
Japhet Tanganga's loan spell was made permanent and new attacking options were brought in, in the form of Macaulay Langstaff and Milhailo Ivanovic.
But the start of this season proved tough and the Lions found themselves 18th, with one win in their six opening league games.
Victory against Plymouth was the catalyst for an upturn in form, and Harris was able to summon the power of The Den with wins against promotion-chasing Burnley and Leeds.
But comments made after Saturday's defeat by Coventry weren't received well by parts of the fanbase.
There is also a feeling that a breakdown in communication with sections of the club's hierarchy could have led to an earlier departure than was expected despite Millwall being in a good place in an unpredictable division.
Chairman Berylson and director of football Steve Gallen now have the unenviable task of finding someone capable of building on Harris' foundation.
Edwards' appointment didn't live up to the club's hopes, and the warning signs in the shape of Birmingham City last season will no doubt reiterate the fact that now is not the time for experimentation.
Mark Robins is the early name being touted as Harris' replacement. His longevity at Coventry, style of play and what he could do on a relatively small budget will be a very appealing proposition.
