Chapter closes on one of football’s great romances as Neil Harris leaves Millwall

Harris’ comments after his last home game in the post on Wednesday, a 1-0 defeat by league leaders Sheffield United, appeared to support Hart’s theory.

“What I think I’ve probably done and stressed to everyone is said, ‘look, it’s fine to have some young players with not a lot of football knowledge’,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“But to be successful here, like at Millwall Football Club, you have to have Millwall knowledge, so it’s getting the balance between the two, having young players with raw ability but also having real Millwall knowledge.”

The “Millwall way” is something he has referred to a lot in interviews and press conferences this season – winning duels and headers with maximum effort.

But it seems the club have prepared to go in a new direction under James Berylson, son of John.

The appointment of Edwards – a respected coach untested in a leading role – was a clear indication of the intention to play more expansive football after the Gary Rowett era.

But the failed venture lasted just 19 games and the most familiar faces in Harris were brought in to save the day. Now that he is leaving again, the club has a big decision to make.

He revealed he had told the players and staff he was leaving at the club’s training ground on Tuesday and had been touched by the response, saying there had been “quite a few grown men crying”.

“It’s been a great time,” he added. “Ten months, it’s been massive. Twenty-five years (including his playing career at the club), it’s been fantastic for me and my family here, a privilege to be Millwall manager.

“The time has come for me to step down and leave the mantle for someone else to pick up and move the club forward.”

For now, Harris said he is looking forward to spending Christmas with his family.

But Parry said it would be no surprise to see “Mr Millwall” back at The Den in some capacity in the future.

“Millwall got under Neil’s skin. He went away as a player, he came back. He went away as a manager, he came back,” Parry said.

“It’s been such a long time but I don’t think it’s goodbye. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if Millwall find themselves in a difficult situation in the future and Neil was available that they wouldn’t turn to him to come and do something – it’s his football club.”