Millwall boss Neil Harris on summer shutdown – with superb points return since Championship return
With a sixth consecutive victory, Millwall concluded their Championship campaign with the fewest points gained by any team since Neil Harris’ return to the SE16.
On February 21, the club’s all-time record goalscorer took over as head coach from Joe Edwards, leaving the Lions one point above the bottom three.
With a victory over Swansea City over the weekend, Casper De Norre guaranteed Millwall would finish 13th, nine points ahead of Birmingham, who occupied the final relegation spot.
In the 13 games played under Harris, Millwall has won eight, drawn two, and lost three; their total of 26 points is only surpassed by Ipswich (27), who have gained automatic promotion to the Premier League.
Mathematical safety was secured in Millwall’s 44th league game of the season, a 1-0 victory away to Sunderland.
In April, Harris received a nomination for Championship Manager of the Month.
For the football team, we had a successful conclusion. Indeed, we had that feeling about us, so as we headed into the following week, we would have liked the chances of continuing to remain unbeaten at home or away.
“We had a great sense of confidence at the end, and each player is in a great situation because they all contributed to the team’s triumph, regardless of whether they started or came off the bench.
It’s critical that the athletes leave with confidence and return in the appropriate state of mind.
“I can already envision the players returning to the building on June 26, when it is their report day back, with a cheerful and enthusiastic attitude.
“Yeah, we could have continued like a steam train, but we can also look back on what we’ve accomplished quickly and be incredibly proud of it, and we can even look to build on it now.”
“We must carry over our momentum and confidence into the upcoming season.”
Harris stated, “A lot of people deserve credit for that.” It is not just the backline; it is the people who have participated. We may discuss the job that wide and midfield players do, but we also need to recognise the importance of Zian Flemming’s off-ball labour.
Adam Barrett works closely with the defenders both individually and collectively as we defend as a team. The players’ desire to record a clean sheet is then solely a matter of thought and mentality. I ask the players to have it and present them with a challenge.
“You see our focus on keeping the score low, but you also see our strength at the attacking end of the pitch. Tanganga and Jake Cooper have scored a few goals, and Lenny (Ryan Leonard) has won player of the year. However, Danny Mac (McNamara), a left-back who is one of the biggest goal threats, was arguably man of the match in the final match of the season.
“While it’s crucial that we focus on both aspects of the game, Millwall Football Club must always have the mindset that we will be hard to defeat.
“To attract real individual matchwinners, we sometimes lack that little bit of flair or excitement at the top end of the pitch,” the player said.
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