Millwall: Caretaker boss Neil Harris looks to instil belief in squad

Harris scored 138 goals for Millwall in two spells as a player at The Den

Millwall caretaker manager Neil Harris hopes he can improve the spirit in the playing squad after taking charge.

Harris took over after Ian Holloway was sacked last week and lost his first game 2-0 at Bolton on Saturday.

The Lions are 23rd in the Championship table, nine points from safety, having lost six of their last seven games.

"The target is to try and get a bit of belief back into the boys. We are desperate to stay in this league," Harris, 37, told BBC London 94.9.

"When I took over from Ollie I said 'anyone who doesn't think we can do it, then we are not for you at the moment'.

"You have got to be positive. We are looking at the style of play and the long-term future of the club.

"We are trying to put a bit of passion and pride back into the performances to let the fans identify a Millwall team."

Harris scored 138 goals in two spells at The Den during his playing career and is in his second spell as caretaker manager of the south London club.

He took charge of Millwall after Steve Lomas was sacked as manager in December 2013, drawing one and losing two games before Holloway was appointed boss in January 2014.

Harris played in the 2004 FA Cup final for Millwall and was a part of the Lions side which won the 2010 League One play-off final at Wembley

Harris attributed their defeat at Bolton to their profligacy in front of goal, but he was pleased with the effort put in by the side and the reception they received from their travelling supporters.

"At the end of the game every fan that came stayed behind to clap the team off," he said.

"That's because we had a right good go. The players didn't fold and didn't shy away from responsibility.

"They kept going and on a different day we would have got something out of the game."