Caretaker gaffer Neil Harris has spoken of the challenge he faces taking over the squad given our position in the Championship and he’s called for a return to ‘Millwall performances’ in the future to give the fans something to get behind in our run in.
Harris – No Promises Just Pride
Both interviews are carried by the official site.
Talking firstly about his hopes to restore some confidence, pride and belief into the players given our run of results, Harris admitted it was a hell of a task that he faced, especially given his lack of experience in this position, but it was a challenge that he was up for over the next ten games.
‘I think with trying to put the belief back into the boys. They care and want to perform, but have found it very difficult of late. A big thing is trying to get them to be able to play football at The Den and try and get the fans behind the team and give them plenty to cheer about. I find myself in this position because we’re struggling in the League and results haven’t gone quite as we planned. But there is a lot to play for, a lot to be excited about and a lot to look forward to. The work starts on the training pitch and all that matters at the moment is results.’
With Harris holding his first training session on Tuesday following the departure of Ian Holloway, he revealed he’s already had some one to ones with players – namely striker Lee Gregory who grabbed his fifth goal of the season from the penalty spot in the game against Norwich, because having starting in non league himself, he knows the journey and the challenges that a player faces making that kind of step up.
‘I’m watching him and his movement is fantastic and his quality of finishing is outstanding. I’ve said to him that there’s not a lot he needs to do to make the ball go in the net. It will happen and I believe in him. There are a lot of similarities between him and myself but there are other guys who can score goals and have scored goals. It’s fine saying the strikers need to score goals but people need to give them the opportunities to do that.’
Moving on more to his call for ‘Millwall style performances’ he added that obviously the fans had a huge role to play in helping that to happen as we move towards the games against Bolton, Brighton and the remaining matches this campaign.
Key to that though, is the players giving them something to get behind.
‘I will give it my all, as will the team, and I want to see them play with pride. I want to see an excitement and Millwall-style performances. I want the fans to see the players play for them. There is lots to look at between now and Saturday. Certain people will be given an opportunity to grab a shirt and play. Will I tinker with the style of play? Possibly. I’ll try and put some Millwall-style beliefs in them and the way we are going to play. It starts Saturday at Bolton, which is a very difficult game but one we will look forward to.’
Vital Millwall on:
Vital Millwall on:
Harris On Challenge & Future Style
