Millwall: Neil Harris named manager of relegated club

Neil Harris scored 138 goals in two separate spells as a player at Millwall

Millwall have appointed Neil Harris as their manager, less than 24 hours after relegation to League One was confirmed.

The 37-year-old had been in caretaker charge since Ian Holloway was sacked in March but the club's record goalscorer was unable to lead them to safety.

Harris will be assisted by former Lions team-mate David Livermore.

"I have been greatly impressed with the professionalism and attention to detail Neil has demonstrated," Millwall chairman John Berylson said.

"He has undoubtedly inspired the players to produce some performances of real character."

Millwall were second from bottom in the Championship when Harris took over at The Den on 10 March, having suffered five defeats in their last six games under Holloway.

Harris, who scored 138 goals in two separate spells with Millwall, has won two and drawn four of his nine matches since taking charge.

The Lions have climbed one place in the table under Harris, but they were relegated from the second tier when Rotherham beat Reading on Tuesday.

Harris played for Millwall in the 2004 FA Cup final and the 2010 League One play-off final

Berylson says there is "a sense of optimism" at the south London club, despite their five-year stay in the Championship coming to an end.

"When Neil took over we were already in a very difficult position," American businessman Berylson told the club website.

"The fact that we came so close to taking the season to the last game says a great deal about the job that he and David have done.

"I am fully committed to the future and know that our team is in the hands of men well versed in what it takes to make a successful Millwall side."

Millwall have not disclosed the length of Harris's contract.