Millwall have confirmed the appointment of Alex Neil as their new head coach – with the Scot taking charge for the New Year’s Day home game against Oxford United.
Reports elsewhere have claimed the former Sunderland, Preston and Stoke boss has signed a three-year contract. The Lions’ statement only mentions it is a “long-term” deal.
Neil has brought in Martin Canning as his assistant with David Livermore, who had been predecessor Neil Harris’ number two, staying on the coaching staff. It was announced yesterday that Adam Barrett was leaving his post as first-team coach.
Kevin Nugent, who had been helping at senior level, returns to his role as U21 manager.
Neil, 43, had a watching brief yesterday as he attended Millwall’s 0-0 draw against Coventry City with Lions owner James Berylson.
Berylson told the Lions official website: “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.”
Millwall’s 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.”
PICTURE: MILLWALL FC