Millwall Football Club have appointed Alex Neil as their new head coach on a “long-term contract” following the departure of Neil Harris. The 41-year-old Scot returns to the EFL Championship dugout six months after leaving his previous post at Stoke City.
Proven Championship Pedigree
Neil boasts an impressive track record in the Championship, having previously led Norwich City to promotion via the playoffs in 2015. He also had spells in charge of Preston North End and Sunderland, guiding the latter to promotion from League One in 2022.
Known for his high-energy, pressing style of play, Neil will be tasked with lifting a Millwall side that finished a disappointing 16th last season. The Lions have been without a permanent manager since Neil Harris, their all-time leading scorer as a player, stepped down on December 16th.
“We’re excited to welcome Alex to the club. I have really enjoyed his passion and energy for the role. Alex is aligned with our vision and strategy, and he has some really exciting ideas of how we can progress.”
– James Berylson, Millwall Chairman
First Order of Business
Neil will take charge of his first match on New Year’s Day when Millwall host Oxford United at The Den. Turning around their dismal home form will be an immediate priority, with the Lions having won just twice in front of their own fans all season.
- Millwall Home Record This Season: 2 Wins, 5 Draws, 4 Losses
- Goals Scored at Home: 10 (2nd worst in Championship)
- Goals Conceded at Home: 16 (10th best in Championship)
Solving their attacking woes and making The Den a fortress again will be crucial if Neil is to turn Millwall into promotion contenders. With proven strikers like Tom Bradshaw and Benik Afobe in the squad, the tools are there for a revival in the second half of the season.
Reunited with Martin Canning
Neil will be assisted at Millwall by Martin Canning, his former teammate at Hamilton Academical. The pair played together for the Scottish side in the early 2000s before Neil took his first steps into coaching as player-manager in 2013.
“Martin is someone I’ve known for a very long time. He has a great understanding of how I want to work and the standards we expect. To have him alongside me again is really important.”
– Alex Neil on assistant Martin Canning
Canning, 41, was most recently first-team coach at AFC Wimbledon. He departed the League Two club in October after a change of management. His experience and familiarity with Neil’s methods should help the new boss hit the ground running in South London.
Following in Famous Footsteps
Neil becomes the latest Scotsman to take charge of Millwall, following in the footsteps of legendary managers like George Graham and Kenny Jackett. He will be hoping to emulate their success and write his own chapter in Millwall folklore.
- George Graham: Millwall Manager 1982-1986
- Led Millwall to promotion to Second Division in 1985
- Reached FA Cup Quarter-Finals in 1985
- Kenny Jackett: Millwall Manager 2007-2013
- Won League One playoff final in 2010 to reach Championship
- Millwall’s longest-serving manager in their history (307 games)
If Neil can build a side in his hard-working, high-pressing image and restore some pride to The Den faithful, he could soon join those illustrious names in Millwall managerial history. With proven promotion credentials and a point to prove after a difficult 11 months at Stoke, the ingredients are there for a memorable tenure.
Can Neil Be the Spark?
Millwall find themselves in a precarious position heading into 2025, just six points above the relegation zone. But in Alex Neil, they have appointed a manager who knows what it takes to compete at the top end of the Championship.
“We have a clear vision and strategy at the club that Alex is aligned with, and he has some really exciting ideas of how we can progress with those objectives and ambitions together across the entire club.”
– James Berylson, Millwall Chairman
Neil will need to make an immediate impact to steer Millwall away from danger. But if he can galvanize a talented squad that underperformed under Harris, a surge up the table in the second half of the season isn’t out of the question. Millwall fans will be desperate for the Scot to provide the spark that reignites their campaign.
