Oxford United and Sheffield Wednesday set to face new Millwall manager with appointment imminent

Millwall are close to naming a new manager.Millwall are close to naming a new manager.
Millwall are close to naming a new manager. | Getty Images
Millwall face Coventry City this weekend before taking on Oxford United and Sheffield Wednesday.

Millwall are set to have incoming manager Alex Neil in charge for upcoming Championship fixtures against Oxford United and Sheffield Wednesday with confirmation of the appointment expected from the club this weekend.

David Livermore has taken interim charge of the Lions since Neil Harris' sudden departure from the role earlier this month. That bombshell came after Harris branded some Millwall supporters as 'thickos' despite a start to the campaign which had been largely positive.

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Millwall were beaten by Coventry City, Sheffield United and Middlesbrough before Harris left the role with Livermore overseeing a win against Blackburn Rovers before defeat at Norwich City since then. Several familiar faces had been linked with the vacant post at The Den, including Gary Rowett and Gary O'Neil, but it has now been widely reported that it is former Sunderland and Stoke City man Neil who is set to take the post.

The Scotsman has been out of work since being sacked by Stoke City in December 2023 after a year and a half in charge of the Midlands outfit. Neil had previously helped Sunderland back into League One and enjoyed stints at Preston North End, Norwich City and Hamilton Academical.

Alex Neil is set to be appointed at Millwall.Alex Neil is set to be appointed at Millwall.
Alex Neil is set to be appointed at Millwall.

talkSPORT reports that Millwall are set to confirm Neil as the club's new manager after the Championship meeting with Coventry City on Sunday. The manager is expected to be in the stands at the Coventry Building Society Arena for that match.

His first game as manager of Millwall will then come on New Year's Day when Oxford United visit The Den. The U's are now managed by former Lions boss Rowett and sit 20th in the league.

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The Lions then make the trip to Hillsborough on January 4 to take on Sheffield Wednesday with the fixtures coming thick and fast in Neil's first fixtures in charge. The side is then in FA Cup action with the visit of Dagenham and Redbridge on January 13.

Alex Neil ready for managerial return

Neil has previously spoken of his desire to get back into management. He said: “I want to get... to be honest, I’d like to try and recreate what I had at Preston for those years - in terms of having a squad I really enjoy, having players that are hungry, want to make their way and want to achieve. You don’t come across it very often, but I was fortunate I managed to walk into the right changing room at the right time. I’d like to try and do that again.”

Director of Football Steve Gallen had previously outlined the club's recruitment stance, with the outfit confirming that no further comment would be provided until an appointment was made.

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.

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“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.”

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