Ex Birmingham City and Stoke City boss has already hinted at stance on Millwall job as frontrunners emerge
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Former Nottingham Forest, Leicester City and Birmingham City managers have emerged as early contenders for the soon-to-be vacant Millwall job.
Former Millwall and Birmingham City head coach Gary Rowett has emerged as an early frontrunner to replace Neil Harris at The Den after the bombshell news that the current boss would leave his post this weekend.
Harris will oversee tonight's fixture against Sheffield United and accompany the side to Middlesbrough on Saturday, but those will be the last two matches of his second stint in charge of the club. Millwall confirmed on Tuesday that the 47-year-old had asked to leave his post.
In an open letter shared via the club website, Harris said: "Today I am announcing that I will be leaving Millwall Football Club after Saturday’s game against Middlesbrough. This isn’t an easy decision, as everyone knows this club is more than a job to me, it's my club, and always will be.
"Being here always felt like home, as a player, as a captain, and as a manager. We are a family, and it's been my life for so many years. But I always said when I returned that I would leave when the time felt right, and now is that time."
That decision comes after a strong start to the season for the club, who recorded memorable home victories against Burnley and Leeds United before the break. Millwall sit 13th in the Championship table having narrowly avoided relegation last term.
The London outfit has since confirmed that the recruitment process is already underway to find Harris' replacement with news over an interim manager expected this week. Former Nottingham Forest and Leicester City man Steve Cooper is an early frontrunner having been dismissed by the Foxes last month.
Another name touted to be a leading candidate is none other than Rowett. The 50-year-old managed Millwall between 2019 and 2023 with his last role being interim head coach at Birmingham City earlier this year.
Former Millwall coach open to management return
While the coach hasn't been in the dugout, he has remained present around the Championship, regularly working as a pundit and commentating on Millwall matches. In November, Rowett gave an extensive interview to GiveMeSport and gave a hint as to his stance should a club such as Millwall approach him.
At a time when he was linked with the Coventry City job, Rowett said: "I’ve been out of work on three different occasions. The first time I just waited for my agent to call and it felt terrible.
"Now I’ve worked out how to manage my time more effectively. I don’t just sit by the phone hoping it rings. The next opportunity will come when it comes. Usually you get offered work.
"In fact, I could have been back in a job just days after leaving Millwall [in October 2023], but it’s about waiting for the right opportunity. That’s the biggest challenge for any manager out of work.
“I have an agent who does the work for me and contacts clubs who have a vacancy. I’m running out of Midlands clubs! But what I would say is that Coventry is a big club. Coventry would be a fantastically attractive club for any Championship manager. And Burton Albion is another one. I have been there before and helped them out.
“I also worked in London for four years with Millwall, which was a great experience for me on and off the pitch. I am not specific about the geography. It just has to be a project that appeals to me and one where I feel I can make an impact."
Gary Rowett big fan of ‘brilliant’ and ‘superstar’ Millwall players
When providing punditry on Millwall this season, Rowett has been outspoken in sharing love for the current squad at Harris' disposal. Winger Romain Esse and centre-back Japhet Tanganga are two stars that have certainly caught the coach's eye.
When the defender scored against Leeds United last month, Rowett said: "He's been a brilliant signing. He's quick and aggressive. We know he's got the capability of playing in the Premier League, he just needs the games to prove it and I'm sure he'll get the opportunity this season.”
The former Millwall coach has had even more praise to heap on Esse. The 19-year-old has been linked with a move to Premier League side Crystal Palace in recent months and Rowett believes he has that quality.
The manager said: “Premier League clubs will be looking at him very, very closely. He has got so much ability. Honestly, when he first came into the team a couple of years ago, he was one of those kids you look at and you think ‘wow’.
“I don’t think he’s put that into consistent performances on the pitch just yet, but if he does, he’s a superstar in the making. He has got absolutely everything.
“I’m expecting big things this season, he’s started it well, scoring a couple of goals, but he just needs a run of games. That’s like any young player, when he plays badly, he needs to stay in the team if he can - I know it’s difficult for a manager, but he’s got so much quality, and I’ve been really impressed with him."