In a Football League World exclusive, pundit Carlton Palmer stated that he thinks Steven Schumacher, a former manager of Plymouth Argyle and Stoke City, would be the “perfect fit” for Millwall’s managerial opening after Neil Harris left.
Saturday’s 1-0 loss against Middlesbrough was Harris’ final game as manager of the Lions; it was their third straight loss and sixth game without a win.
Numerous rumours have surfaced since the 47-year-old Den’s departure about who the Lions might select next. Journalist Alan Nixon claimed that the London team is interested in Wycombe Wanderers manager Matt Bloomfield, while The Mirror claimed that Millwall has also targeted Schumacher. The same report also connected Michael Skubala of Lincoln City, Dave Challinor of Stockport County, and former Sunderland manager Alex Neil to the position.
Palmer makes Schumacher, Millwall claim
The former England international told FLW: “The resignation of Neil Harris as Millwall boss came as a shock to the majority of people.
When it was announced that Neil was leaving his position, many people were shocked.
It’s a weird one, but I believe that when supporters belittle you, it’s always unpleasant for a manager. In this case, I believe that certain supporters were belittling Neil, which I believe offended him.
And with good reason, considering the work he did, returning to the club during a trying time.
Naturally, Millwall has had a dismal start to the season; they haven’t won in six games and are currently nine points off of a play-off spot in mid-table.
“I can appreciate the fans’ annoyance, but Neil has performed admirably since rejoining the team under trying circumstances, as I mentioned.
“A number of managers are currently available and unemployed, but Matt Bloomfield appears to be the front-runner.
Steve Cooper, Mark Robins and Gary Rowett, Steven Schumacher, and even Kevin Muscat, who has been floated as a potential replacement, are also among them.
Additionally, Dave Challinor’s name has been mentioned, but I don’t think he will leave Stockport County, where he has
It’s really, really challenging.
“You need someone who will start right away because they have new owners who aren’t afraid to spend money and they’re only nine points off of a play-off spot.
“Considering the work that Steven Schumacher has done at Plymouth, I believe that he might be the ideal candidate.
Another option that has entered the conversation is Alex Neil, who has had success at Sunderland and Preston in the past, as is well known.
Therefore, I believe that one of those may work well for the club.
Someone who can manipulate the transfer market and extract the best performance from the players despite having money.
“I believe Steven Schumacher ought to be given another chance.”
Harris is a tough act to follow
Regardless of the team’s more recent performance, it must be acknowledged that Harris’ Lions exploits will be difficult to replicate, especially with so many contenders in the running to succeed him.
Neil Harris managerial stats since returning to Millwall in February | |
---|---|
Matches | 35 |
Won | 15 |
Drawn | 9 |
Lost | 11 |
Points Per Game (PPG) | 1.54 |
Palmer mentioned that the 47-year-old returned to the Lions under difficult circumstances last February, when the London team was in the midst of a relegation fight.
But last season, the Englishman led his team to a comfortable mid-table position. This season, he has achieved some outstanding results, including a 1-0 victory over Leeds United, who are vying for automatic promotion.
He has accomplished noteworthy things while in the Den dugout in the past, including leading the team to promotion from League One to the Championship in 2017.
He will be a difficult act to follow, and Millwall has a challenging task ahead of them as they try to find a new manager who can lead them to the playoffs.