Lions roar: 'Neil Harris is a legend at Millwall and has been a fantastic servant to this club'

Last updated : 09 June 2011 By westfield shrimper
Harris: Millwall legend

Harris: 'I am joining Southend for footballing reasons only'

Striker Neil Harris has agreed terms with Southend United and will sign a three-year contract with the club he started supporting as a kid once he undergoes a medical.

Harris told www.millwallfc.co.uk: "I have taken this decision with a heavy heart but a clear head. At this stage in my career I want to be playing week-in week-out and scoring goals. Last season I found it difficult being a bit-part player, and I am joining Southend for footballing reasons only and looking forward to the next chapter and the next challenge of my career. Everyone knows how much Millwall means to me, and I can assure you that I will be back at the Den as a supporter whenever possible. The club has been a huge part of my life and my family's life for 11 years, and I would like to thank every manager, every chairman, every player, and in particular every fan I have known during my time at the club. Words cannot describe how special it has been for me to play for Millwall Football Club for so long. The place and the people will be part of me always."

Millwall boss Kenny Jackett paid tribute to the striker, and hinted that he may return to the Den yet!

Jackett said: "Neil is a legend at Millwall and has been a fantastic servant to this club. During my three and a half years here he has done very well and played a major part in helping us reach the League One Play-Off Final in 2009 and then win promotion at Wembley in 2010. Last season he was again a vital member of the squad when we finished ninth in the Championship, and I wish him every success as he embarks on a new phase of his career at Southend. His goalscoring record at this football club is not likely to be beaten in a hurry, and I have a feeling that this will be a case of au revoir and not goodbye as far as Neil and Millwall are concerned."

Lions chairman John Berylson also agreed that Harris would be missed in South London, but never forgotten.

He said: "Whilst we are all very sad to see Neil leave, we quite understand his decision to extend his playing career at Southend. He has been a fantastic player and is a great man. He will always be very welcome at Millwall."

And we look forward to welcoming Neil to Roots Hall.

A good bit of business for the Blues?: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/interactive/voting_polls.asp