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Millwall confident manager Neil Harris will stay

Neil Harris, manager of Millwall
Image: Neil Harris could be handed a new long-term contract by Millwall

Millwall chief executive Steve Kavanagh is confident Neil Harris' long-term future is at The Den.

Harris inspired the Lions to a shock 1-0 FA Cup victory over reigning Premier League champions Leicester on Saturday to set up a quarter-final clash with London rivals Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

Millwall are also well placed to secure a play-off spot in Sky Bet League One this season and Kavanagh has hinted that Harris could be rewarded with a new lengthy contract.

"The chairman (John Berylson) absolutely adores Neil. He loves what Neil's doing and loves the team he has created around him. The chairman and I want Neil to be here for the long term. I think Neil wants to be here for the long term as well, but I can't speak for him," Kavanagh told Sky Sports News HQ.

"I am confident in the team we have and I am confident Neil wants to be a part of that. At the right moment, we'll make sure Neil is looked after.

Millwall's Shaun Cummings celebrates scoring his sides opening goal during the Emirates FA Cup, Fifth Round match at The Den, Millwall.
Image: Shaun Cummings (centre) celebrates scoring Millwall's last-minute winner against Leicester

"Neil knows he is developing and growing here. When, let's say, some young players aren't signing [new contracts] because they think maybe the grass is greener elsewhere and they are better than this level now - Neil understands that when you're in a good place and you're happy as a person, you do your best.

"It's obviously a conversation that we need to sit down and have, but it's not top of the priorities. Neil understands he is in the right environment to express himself and to really go on to become a great manager."

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Millwall could rise to fifth if they stretch their unbeaten run to 14 matches with a home win over relegation-threatened Chesterfield on Tuesday. Victory would also leave them just seven points behind second-placed Scunthorpe.

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Harris was appointed Millwall manager on a permanent basis in April 2015, despite having been unable to save the club from relegation from the Championship following a spell as interim boss.

He led the club to the League One play-off final last season, but could not secure promotion in his first full campaign in management, losing 3-1 to Barnsley at Wembley.

"The original appointment was a brave one," Kavanagh said. "The club was in such a downward spiral when Neil took charge and when you get into those downward spirals, it's extremely difficult to turn it around.

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Highlights of the Sky Bet League One match between Millwall and Port Vale

"But with hindsight, Neil was a fantastic appointment and a lot of credit has to go to Neil for that - in the work that he has done and the way he has carried out his job in stopping the rot.

"He has made the team in his image and what has helped him is his knowledge and history at Millwall. He has put the heart back into the club and that has gone a long way to bringing about what is happening now.

"He is a young manager, he is still learning and he's like a sponge at times - he just wants to talk, understand and develop."