Millwall announce ex-Premier League boss as new manager after Gary O’Neil snub
12/30/2024 06:14 AM
Alex Neil has been confirmed as the new manager of Millwall.
The Scottish boss arrives on a long-term contract following the departure of Neil Harris on December 14.
This comes after sacked Wolves manager Gary O’Neil turned down the chance to lead the south London club.
Neil’s first game in the hot seat will be on New Year’s Day against Oxford United.
Millwall chairman James Berylson said: "We're excited to welcome Alex to the club. Having met with him over the last couple of weeks, I have really enjoyed his passion and energy for the role.
"We have a clear vision and strategy at the club that Alex is aligned with, and he has some really exciting ideas of how we can progress with those objectives and ambitions together across the entire club.
"All our support is there for Alex, and I can't wait to see what he can do for us. I, alongside everybody at Millwall, wish him the very best as our new Head Coach."
Neil has been out of work since being sacked by Stoke City in December 2023.
His move to the Potters was controversial having left Sunderland just six months after joining the club and guiding the club to the Championship.
Previous to that he managed Scottish side Hamilton and Norwich City, whom he led to promotion to the Premier League before managing them in the top flight.
Martin Canning arrives alongside Neil to work as assistant manager.
David Livermore has been in interim charge for the last three matches – overseeing one win, one draw and one defeat – and will remain on the club’s backroom staff.
Millwall are currently 13th in the Championship following a disappointing start to the season.
Harris announced his sudden decision to step down after a clash with the club’s supporters, calling some of them ‘thickos’.
Speaking after a defeat at home to Coventry earlier in December, Harris said: "That is where people have to get their heads out of the clouds and realise how well we’ve done to achieve what we have so far. And how tough it is for us as a group.
“Right at the end we put the ball in the box and one of my young centre forwards and one of my young wingers are standing outside of the penalty area. It shows a lot of learning we have got in front of us.
“You miss Romain [Esse}, you miss Japhet [Tanganga] and you miss Jake Cooper. Three players that probably get in any Championship team. Just a reminder to people, the thickos, that when you take the three best players out of the team that this is Millwall Football Club.”
On the decision to appoint Neil, director of football Steve Gallen added: "This has been a thorough and efficient recruitment process, and we're really pleased to welcome Alex Neil as Head Coach.
"A number of factors were analysed extensively during this process to ensure that we appoint that right person for the role.
"Ultimately, Alex has an excellent track record in The Championship for results and development of young talent, as well as many other attributes that we feel confident will drive us forward as a club.
"Alex's hunger to take this football club to the next level was clear during the several conversations we had. He has proven methods that have worked successfully in a hugely competitive League and has exciting ideas of how he sees this team developing.
"We're delighted to welcome to him to Millwall and I look forward to working closely with Alex.”
