NEIL Harris believes he was initially too “grumpy” in his reaction to Millwall’s draw at Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night.
Michael Obafemi struck the opener before Sammie Szmodics equalised in a tight game between two sides looking to avoid relegation.
The Lions head coach appeared to be largely positive after the game even if he did have issues with certain elements of his team’s performance.
But in his pre-match press conference ahead of the visit of Birmingham City tomorrow, Harris said he is now feeling even more positive about the importance of the result at Ewood Park.
He told reporters: “My glass was half-full anyway but on reflection I was just being grumpy. A grumpy manager that had been 1-0 up away from home and wanted to win. It was a really good point and it was probably a fair result. We didn’t have a great deal of chances and my goalkeeper makes one save all game from 25 yards so it was probably overall about right.
“So no complaints. I just think the manner of the goal was a bit disappointing for us as a group. Seven points from nine, three strong and disciplined performances. Areas to improve of course as with any stage of the season but we’re not going to be able to make those fast adjustments in performances because it’s that time of year. At the moment, it’s about winning games of football.”
Harris has been back at The Den for a little over two weeks after making a sensational return to replace Joe Edwards.
The Lions boss has now had a chance to get his feet under the desk and catch up with staff members who had been at the club during his first managerial stint between 2015 and 2019 and staff who had been there even longer when Harris was still a player.
Asked if he remembered everyone’s names, the Millwall head coach smiled and said: “Pretty much. I’m not getting any younger so I do have those middle age moments!
“But it’s been great. Being at The Den last Saturday was great. A lot of fans outside that were fans when I first signed 25 years ago coming up to me.
“Just reminiscing with old faces and people who still work at the football club that have been here a long time like Brian Tonks, the club photographer. So seeing people like that is beautiful really for me and my family.
“I’ve got to know some staff that I hadn’t met before at the training ground and getting to know the players that I hadn’t signed or hadn’t played for me before. That’s a big part of my man management.
“I’ve enjoyed it and we’ve obviously had positive results. So far, so good. But not settling for that, not settling for it at all. We want to keep moving forward.”