Neil Harris’ shock decision to step down as Millwall boss has raised questions about Kevin Nisbet‘s future.
The striker is currently on a season-long loan at Aberdeen from the English Championship club. Harris, who returned to the Den in February this year to help steer the Lions to safety, will leave his role as head coach after they play Middlesborough this weekend, and the new boss is likely to be in place ahead of the January transfer window.
Nisbet has four goals in all competitions for the Dons this season, but is yet complete a full 90 minutes under Jimmy Thelin. It’s unclear whether Millwall have a January recall option included in the deal that took the former Dunfermline and Hibs front man to Pittodrie. If they do, then the new man may wish to have a closer look at the Scotland striker. With Nisbet’s Millwall contract set to run until 2026, he remains a sellable asset for the South London club, even if he doesn’t fit into Harris’ replacement plans.
Pape Habib Gueye seemed to be Thelin’s preferred striker at the start of the season, and the Senegalese started the season on fire with five goals in his first five Premiership appearances before a quad muscle injury ruled him out until January. The Dons will be reluctant to diminish their attacking options before he is back to full fitness.
On Harris’ departure, a Millwall statement read: “Millwall Football Club can confirm a mutual decision has been reached with Neil Harris to step down from his role as head coach following The Lions’ trip to Middlesbrough on Saturday.
“Neil returned to the club in February 2024 with an immediate focus of steering the club away from the relegation zone. He successfully achieved this after collecting 26 points from a possible 33.
“Lions Chairman, James Berylson, said: ‘At the start of 2024, we found ourselves in a tough spot. Neil came in and along with his coaching staff galvanised the squad. Through action and leadership, he led Millwall on a magnificent run of form, ensuring our return to Championship football this season.
‘I want to thank Neil for all his efforts since returning to the Club and we will be forever grateful to him for that. After discussions with Neil in recent days, he felt it was the right time to step down from the role following the Middlesbrough game and I have accepted his decision.'”