Millwall legend neil harris wants to stay at the club

By Simon Hayes on May 1, 2008 9:00 AM |

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“I WANT to stay. I love Millwall and I’d love to be here next season.”

Millwall legend Neil Harris has sent out a plea to extend his stint at The Den, and give him the chance to break Teddy Sheringham’s all-time goal-scoring record.

Harris, who has hit 107 goals for the Lions, is out of contract at the end of the season and he’d dearly love to pass Sheringham’s mark of 111. But manager Kenny Jackett seemed to have ruled the striker out of his plans.

However, Harris’ man-of-the-match performance against Carlisle last Saturday when he scored one and set up two goals in a game that secured Millwall’s League One status, could just win him the deal he so desperately craves. Although as The Wharf went to press his future was still undecided.

“I’d love to stay,” said Harris. “I’m not sure what’s happening but if that was my last appearance at The Den then it was a great way to sign off.

“It was a fantastic day, awesome, and the fans deserved it, especially after some of our performances this season.

“It’s been a difficult season and goal-scoring has been a real problem. We’ve just not been making enough chances, which is why we’ve struggled.”

With relegation avoided the Lions travel to Swindon this Saturday in what could be Harris’ last appearance for the club. But he’s not yet ready to hang up his boots.

He said: “Ideally I’d like to play for another four or five years, even though I’ll be 31 this summer. My days at Premier League and top Championship level are over but I could still do a job lower down the leagues.”

Harris revealed he’s already made plans for when his playing days are over.

“I’d like to go into coaching,” he said. “I feel I’ve got a lot to offer and I’m taking my FA badges. I’d love to manage Millwall one day. My bond with the club is very strong.”

Of more immediate concern for Harris is the Everyman Keep Your Eye On The Ball run on Sunday, June 1.

The 5km run in Victoria Park will raise funds and awareness of testicular cancer, a condition Harris suffered in 2001. Happily, he received the all-clear last year but he’s keen to raise awareness of the potentially fatal condition.

He said: “Men are starting to take note now but it’s important to spread the message, which is why things like the run are so important.

“It’s a fantastic occasion, a great family day out. There’ll be a few of the Millwall lads there and I’m trying to get a few from other clubs.

“I came fifth last year but I’m not expecting to finish so high this time. I’ve got a wedding reception the night before so I might not be very competitive.”

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simon.hayes@wharf.co.uk