Millwall close in on signing of new manager who has coached in the Premier League
Alex Neil is set to be confirmed as the new manager of Millwall, talkSPORT understands. The Scottish boss is set to be named as the Lions’ boss following their Championship clash with Coventry on Sunday. Neil is set to take charge of MillwallGetty This comes after Gary O’Neil turned down the chance to lead the south London club. It’s understood that after the match with Frank Lampard‘s side, Neil’s first game in the hot seat will be on New Year’s Day against Oxford United. Neil has been out of work since being sacked by Stoke City in December 2022. His move to the Potters was controversial having left Sunderland just six months after joining the club and guiding the club to the Championship. Previous to that he managed Scottish side Hamilton and Norwich City, whom he led to promotion to the Premier League before managing them in the top flight. Neil will be named as boss following Neil Harris’ decision to step down as Millwall boss earlier this month. It came after he referenced supporters of the club, calling some of them ‘thickos’. He said: “That is where people have to get their heads out of the clouds and realise how well we’ve done to achieve what we have so far. And how tough it is for us as a group. “Right at the end we put the ball in the box and one of my young centre forwards and one of my young wingers are standing outside of the penalty area. It shows a lot of learning we have got in front of us. “You miss Romain [Esse}, you miss Japhet [Tanganga] and you miss Jake Cooper. Three players that probably get in any Championship team. Just a reminder to people, the thickos, that when you take the three best players out of the team that this is Millwall Football Club.” Neil’s appointment comes after Harris stepped down as boss of the LionsGetty - Contributor Announcing the decision, Lions Chairman, James Berylson, said: “At the start of 2024, we found ourselves in a tough spot. Neil came in and along with his coaching staff galvanised the squad. Through action and leadership, he led Millwall on a magnificent run of form, ensuring our return to Championship football this season. “I want to thank Neil for all his efforts since returning to the club and we will be forever grateful to him for that. “After discussions with Neil in recent days, he felt it was the right time to step down from the role following the Middlesbrough game and I have accepted his decision. “I join everybody associated with Millwall by wishing Neil the very best. He will always be welcome back to The Den as a friend, colleague, and Lion. “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. Director of Football, Steve Gallen, added: “We respect Neil’s decision and he departs with the best wishes of everybody at the club. Neil has an excellent track record in the Championship having guided Norwich to promotion “Since I joined in May, I have enjoyed my time working alongside Neil and I thank him for his efforts during this period. “A comprehensive recruitment process is already underway for a new head coach. 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.”
Alex Neil is set to be confirmed as the new manager of Millwall, talkSPORT understands.
The Scottish boss is set to be named as the Lions’ boss following their Championship clash with Coventry on Sunday.
This comes after Gary O’Neil turned down the chance to lead the south London club.
It’s understood that after the match with Frank Lampard‘s side, Neil’s first game in the hot seat will be on New Year’s Day against Oxford United.
Neil has been out of work since being sacked by Stoke City in December 2022.
His move to the Potters was controversial having left Sunderland just six months after joining the club and guiding the club to the Championship.
Previous to that he managed Scottish side Hamilton and Norwich City, whom he led to promotion to the Premier League before managing them in the top flight.
Neil will be named as boss following Neil Harris’ decision to step down as Millwall boss earlier this month.
It came after he referenced supporters of the club, calling some of them ‘thickos’.
He said: “That is where people have to get their heads out of the clouds and realise how well we’ve done to achieve what we have so far. And how tough it is for us as a group.
“Right at the end we put the ball in the box and one of my young centre forwards and one of my young wingers are standing outside of the penalty area. It shows a lot of learning we have got in front of us.
“You miss Romain [Esse}, you miss Japhet [Tanganga] and you miss Jake Cooper. Three players that probably get in any Championship team. Just a reminder to people, the thickos, that when you take the three best players out of the team that this is Millwall Football Club.”
Announcing the decision, Lions Chairman, James Berylson, said: “At the start of 2024, we found ourselves in a tough spot. Neil came in and along with his coaching staff galvanised the squad. Through action and leadership, he led Millwall on a magnificent run of form, ensuring our return to Championship football this season.
“I want to thank Neil for all his efforts since returning to the club and we will be forever grateful to him for that.
“After discussions with Neil in recent days, he felt it was the right time to step down from the role following the Middlesbrough game and I have accepted his decision.
“I join everybody associated with Millwall by wishing Neil the very best. He will always be welcome back to The Den as a friend, colleague, and Lion.
“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.
Director of Football, Steve Gallen, added: “We respect Neil’s decision and he departs with the best wishes of everybody at the club.
“Since I joined in May, I have enjoyed my time working alongside Neil and I thank him for his efforts during this period.
“A comprehensive recruitment process is already underway for a new head coach. 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.”
