Neil Harris' decade of service is one worth celebrating

Wembley magic: Neil Harris enjoys one of the highs of his Millwall career, last season’s play-off final victory over Swindon
Leo Spall11 April 2012

To many, the concept of a testimonial is no more than a self-indulgent anachronism that is typical of the greed in today's game. But there is no doubt that the one granted by Millwall to Neil Harris is thoroughly deserved.

"The tough times make completing 10 years at the club very special," said the 33-year-old as he prepared to celebrate with a match against SPL side Hearts at The Den tomorrow.

"When I was diagnosed with cancer I didn't know what my survival chances were, let alone whether I would play football again. You think your career is over, so to step onto the pitch again is a relief, a bonus. To still be playing now and to have success, like we did in the League One play-off final at Wembley last season, means so much."

Harris could be forgiven a little bitterness after testicular cancer halted his career just when it looked set to reach its peak.

He was diagnosed in 2001 when the goals were flowing and scouts from the country's top clubs were monitoring his progress. The first player to make a goalscoring splash at Millwall since Teddy Sheringham looked every inch the next big thing but beating the disease took its toll.

Some even blamed it for forcing Harris to leave in search of regular games, joining Nottingham Forest three years later after a loan spell at Cardiff.

But after returning to the club he considers his second family in 2007 and becoming their first to score 100 League goals, the striker is focusing on the future.

"The chance of me playing in the Premier League seemed to go quite a long time ago when I was diagnosed with cancer," he said. "But when you get close again, you never know. The Championship is a tough league and we will have to hit the ground running. Burnley and Blackpool are shining lights for clubs like us because no one expected them to win promotion."

Millwall's target this season is consolidation but once they have found their feet they will re-assess. Harris's first aim is to make the team and score the goals which will prolong his career, particularly after the arrival of Kevin Lisbie on loan from Ipswich, but he is confident the spirit which took them up will keep them there.

After all, it is a key part of the Millwall make-up. "You don't always have to be the best player or have your best game,' said Harris. "But you have to give your all and wear the shirt with pride. Then the fans get behind you. That is what got us through last season, certainly during the sticky time at the start.

"You have to have a special personality to be a success for Millwall: a never-say-die attitude and an appreciation for what the club mean to the fans."

There is no doubt that most of Kenny Jackett's players tick those boxes. In addition to Harris, Alan Dunne and Paul Robinson are also long servers and Darren Ward and Tony Craig have left the club and returned too.

Harris, whose Millwall League debut came in 1998, believes they are special characters at a "unique" club.

He said: "Our players show that things do not always fit with the popular view. The common man in the stand sees a big gap between their lives and those of Premier League players. There is a gulf there with the WAGS and the way they conduct themselves but at a club like Millwall it is important that players and fans can relate to each other."

Tickets can be bought at the ground tomorrow priced £12 adults, £8 senior citizens, £5 under-16s. Kick-off 3pm

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