"Talks planned" with a former Manchester United and Sheffield Wednesday player to succeed Neil Harris as Millwall's next manager
Mark Robins, the former manager of Coventry City, Rotherham United, and Barnsley, is reportedly a contender to replace Neil Harris as Millwall’s head coach. This comes after Harris’ unexpected announcement earlier this week that he would be stepping down ahead of the team’s upcoming match against Sheffield United. The 47-year-old’s final game will be against Middlesbrough this weekend, following a mutual agreement between Harris and the club to part ways.
Harris, who returned to Millwall in February, had been instrumental in leading the team out of the Championship relegation zone, securing 26 points from the next 33 available. The club had been struggling prior to his arrival, and his efforts helped stabilize the squad. Millwall’s chairman, James Berylson, addressed the upcoming managerial change, saying, “The appointment of our next head coach will align with the clear strategy and vision I have previously laid out for the future of Millwall Football Club, both on and off the pitch.” Director of Football Steve Gallen added that a thorough recruitment process is already underway, ensuring the next head coach will play a significant role in implementing the club’s strategic direction.
According to sources from Football Insider, Mark Robins is now in the frame to take over at Millwall. Talks are expected to take place with the 54-year-old, who was controversially dismissed by Coventry City just last month. Robins had enjoyed a long tenure with the Sky Blues, managing the club for almost eight years, making him one of the longest-serving managers in English football at the time. His sudden sacking sparked criticism, especially as he was replaced by Frank Lampard, a move that left many questioning the decision.
Robins’ managerial career, however, has been marked by a series of successful stints across various clubs. Before taking charge of Coventry City, he had managed Rotherham United, Barnsley, Huddersfield Town, and Scunthorpe United. He initially took charge of Coventry in 2012, but his first spell lasted only a year before he moved on. He returned to Coventry in 2017, where he managed to stabilize the team and eventually guide them to promotion to the Championship in 2020. His second stint at the club, though, came to an abrupt end when he was dismissed earlier this year despite his considerable success.
During his playing career, Robins was known for his versatility and technical ability. He began his professional journey at Manchester United, where he made a notable appearance in the 1989-90 FA Cup, scoring a crucial goal against Nottingham Forest. This performance earned him recognition and helped alleviate some of the pressure on United’s then-manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Robins also had successful spells with clubs such as Norwich City, Leicester City, Rotherham United, and Sheffield Wednesday.
Robins’ sacking by Coventry City came after a difficult period for the team. Despite having enjoyed relative success in previous years, the club’s performance had dropped, and the board decided to part ways with Robins, noting that the team’s results had not been good enough for an extended period. The club’s statement emphasized that this was not a decision taken lightly, acknowledging Robins’ significant contributions during his time at the helm.
Now, as Millwall searches for a new manager, Robins is reportedly a strong candidate to take charge. His experience, especially his ability to stabilize clubs in difficult circumstances, makes him an attractive option for Millwall. The club will be hoping that he can replicate his previous successes and help them progress both on and off the pitch.
As Millwall moves forward with its recruitment process, the club is focused on finding a manager who will align with their long-term vision. The next head coach will be expected to continue the positive momentum that Harris built and help the team secure a stable position in the Championship. With the club’s strategic direction in mind, Millwall will be looking for a manager who can lead them to sustained success in the coming years.
