Former Millwall boss appointed at bottom of the league club amid 'unfinished business' claim

Former Milwall boss Neil Harris has found a new job just over two months after walking away from his role as Lions boss, officially leaving on December 14. Harris surprised many when announcing his departure on the back of a solid start to the season, although he had called out fans in the weeks prior.

Harris did a solid job at Millwall in his second spell in charge of the club, steering them away from relegation in his initial months and establishing the Lions at mid-table before his departure.

But Harris’ work has not been enough to land him a Championship job, albeit it is unclear whether he has received offers from the second tier. Harris’ return has come in League One, with the 47-year-old opting to return to another former club in Cambridge United.

Harris spent time with the club before his return to Millwall, winning five of his 14 games in charge during a short spell there. He now returns, taking over from Garry Monk, with the U’s bottom of the League One table and as many as eight points from safety.

Cambridge majority owner Paul Barry said: “This has been a challenging season which has not gone as any of us would have hoped. There have been lessons for all of us to learn. The first part of our football review over the last month has highlighted three key things: First - the need to adjust how the football side of the Club is overseen and governed from Owners and Board down. We have done this.

“Second - the requirement to appoint someone to review all parts of our football operations as Director of Football over the coming months and lead the potential change that might follow Third - the need to deepen our culture, continue to modernise every area of the Club and at the same time have a relentless focus on what it takes to win on and off the pitch

“Mark Bonner will be returning as our new Director of Football. He knows the Club inside out - its strengths, its culture and values, and also the areas that we must seek to improve. He is an exceptional individual and we believe his leadership, strategic thinking and deep understanding of the game can make him an outstanding Director of Football for us over the long term. He will undertake the second part of the football review as the planning starts now to get ready for next season - alongside fighting to stay up.

“Neil Harris is returning as Head Coach on a contract until June 2027. He made a significant impact at the Club over a short period last season. He is a winner and his track record as a Head Coach speaks for itself. He will obviously work very closely with Mark, who has been leading conversations with him over the last 48 hours.

“Clearly, Neil left us in a unique set of circumstances last season, and we all feel there is unfinished business for him at Cambridge United. Finally, a word for our fans. We are hugely grateful for all your support this season when there has often not been a lot to cheer about. We believe this new leadership on the football side will put us in a better position to attack the challenges in front of us as we look to create a new positive chapter for the Club - United in Endeavour."

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