Millwall boss Neil signs new contract

Alex Neil has won 12 of his 21 league matches since taking charge at Millwall

Millwall head coach Alex Neil has signed a new contract that will keep him at The Den for the "foreseeable future".

The 43-year-old replaced Neil Harris in the dugout in December and steered the Lions to an eighth-place finish, just two points outside the play-offs.

"I'm delighted and incredibly proud to sign this new contract," Neil told the club's website.

"Since my first day, the commitment and togetherness I've seen from everyone at the club - players, staff, and fans - has been really special.

"That unity has helped us build strong foundations for the seasons ahead, and to be a part of that journey is incredibly exciting."

'I've said many times - this club is special'

The Lions took their play-off challenge to the final day of the Championship season

Neil won promotion to the Premier League with Norwich City in 2014-15 and led Sunderland to victory over Wycombe Wanderers in the League One play-off final in 2021-22.

His first match in charge at The Den was a 1-0 defeat to Oxford United, with his first victory coming 12 days later against Dagenham & Redbridge in the FA Cup.

A total of 12 wins from 21 Championship matches in charge pushed the Lions up into contention for a spot in the play-offs, but they just missed out with a final day defeat at Burnley.

"I've said it many times - this club is special," Neil added.

"It's only when you truly experience the work going on behind the scenes, speak with the fans, and work alongside the players and staff day in and day out, that you realise just how unique it really is."

Millwall chairman James Berylson described it as an exciting time to be a supporter of the club.

"This new contract reflects our confidence in the direction we're heading under Alex," he said.

"The progress we've made in the short amount of time since his arrival has been really positive and bodes well for our long-term objectives.

"We have a clear vision of what we want to achieve with Alex as head coach, and he's demonstrated the abilities we knew he had when we hired him - strong leadership and installing a real sense of belief throughout the squad and staff to fulfil our ambitions of propelling this club to the next level."

'Play-off push was no small achievement' - analysis

Mihailo Ivanovic scored 11 of his 14 Millwall goals after Neil took over in December

by BBC Radio London commentator Nick Godwin

Alex Neil arrived at Millwall with a lot on his plate.

He had to succeed club legend Neil Harris, who had decided to walk away.

He had to oversee the sale of Romain Esse to Crystal Palace, possibly the best player in the team at the time.

And he had to deal with the arrival of a host of new players in the winter transfer window.

The fact that he assembled an effective Championship team very quickly, increased Mihailo Ivanovic's goal output considerably, and got them to within a hair's breadth of the play-off spots is no small achievement.

He's now in a very strong position to make the case for Millwall going one better next season.

If further investment does arrive at The Den, that, coupled with the manager's experience at this level, means the club may finally be able to turn those regular top-half finishes in the Championship table into something even more impressive.