Ex Preston and Plymouth Argyle boss has already indicated stance on Millwall job as frontrunners named

Former Preston North End manager Ryan Lowe remains one of the frontrunners to replace Neil Harris as Millwall head coach as the club's search for a new boss continues.

Harris officially left the Championship outfit this weekend after his final match in charge against Middlesbrough. The Lions lost that clash at the Riverside Stadium 1-0.

Millwall had confirmed that Harris would leave his post earlier this week in a bombshell announcement that came just days after the head coach branded some of the club's supporters as 'thickos'. The 47-year-old remained in charge against Sheffield United and then Boro.

Several familiar faces have emerged as prime candidates for the job at The Den. Former Nottingham Forest and Leicester City man Steve Cooper is one of them, alongside ex Millwall boss Gary Rowett. Mark Robins is another name linked with the role, having left Coventry City last month after a seven-year stint.

Ryan Lowe is another frontrunner for the role, having been out of work since his sudden departure from Preston North End at the start of the season. The 46-year-old left the club by mutual consent one game into the current Championship campaign, a 2-0 defeat to Sheffield United.

In November, Lowe spoke to The Telegraph in depth about his departure and potential return to football in quotes that could be of interest to Millwall should they be looking at approaching the manager.

^{Ryan Lowe wants Championship return ‘now’}

Asked when he might be ready to return to management, Lowe replied, "Now." He went on to explain: “It’s very difficult. You are never going to see me in the stands when a manager is under pressure. The reason I went to watch Plymouth was because Wayne [Rooney] had won a couple of games. I never want to be that person. It happened to me at Preston and you feel it.

“With this little bit of a break, it’ll make me a better manager wherever I go next. I want to get back into the Championship but unfortunately someone has to lose their job for me to do that.  But if that happens and a club wants an established Championship manager who overachieves budgets then I will be right in front of them.

“I will also look at different leagues. I would go to Spain, Holland, Germany, Scotland. But my ambition is to get a team in the play-offs in the Championship and get promoted.

“I’ve had a break. I’ve got my mojo back. I am watching a lot of football and I am meant to be in football. I have a work ethic and a belief and a desire to do well. That’s me.”

Millwall confirm recruitment process

Little has been revealed about the ongoing recruitment process behind the scenes at Millwall but, as Harris' departure was confirmed, Director of Football Steve Gallen said: “We respect Neil’s decision and he departs with the best wishes of everybody at the club. Since I joined in May, I have enjoyed my time working alongside Neil and I thank him for his efforts during this period.

“A comprehensive recruitment process is already underway for a new head coach. The direction we as a club want to head in is clear and the next head coach will play a pivotal role in helping us execute our strategy.”