Millwall: Grim Neil Harris reality evident in Rotherham United defeat: View | OneFootball

Millwall's shock 2-1 defeat to Rotherham United ensured that the Millers lived to fight another day, as a loss for Leam Richardson's men would have resulted in their relegation to League One.

But it was a poor result for the Lions, who sit in 19th, just four points clear of the relegation zone, whereas a win would have seen Neil Harris' men seven points clear of danger.

Up next, the London outfit face another trip to Yorkshire where they will face Huddersfield Town, who currently sit in the bottom three on 40 points.

If the Terriers defeat the Lions on Saturday, they will move to within just three points of Harris' side, which could signal a nervy end to the campaign.

But overall, the appointment of Harris on 21st February has seemingly been the right call for the Lions, who have avoided defeat in five of their seven games since their manager's return to the club, winning three games.

The victory over promotion hopefuls Southampton on 24th February, which was the club's first game since Harris' return, demonstrates the Lions' ability to pick up positive results against tough opposition, which could help them steer clear of trouble.

However, their defeat against the Millers on Monday, who had not previously won since Boxing Day, arguably demonstrates the limitations of Harris' managerial ability.

Harris is not the long term solution for Millwall

The former Gillingham and Cambridge boss could have what it takes to maintain the Lions' Championship status, as demonstrated in big wins over the Saints and Watford, but Monday's loss in South Yorkshire could show that he is not a long-term solution.

Although Harris has worked wonders for Millwall before, winning the 2017 League One play-off final with the club, and guiding them to an eighth place Championship finish in 2018, losing to a Millers side who had not won a game since the Festive period is simply unacceptable.

Last season, the Lions finished eighth in the second tier table, just one point behind the top-six places, but in order to reach those lofty heights once more, a managerial change in the long term may be necessary.

Harris may have done well with the Lions in the past, and is capable of keeping his club in the Championship, but recent records at Gillingham and Cambridge could demonstrate that he is no longer able to deliver top-half finishes in the second tier.

According to FotMob, Harris oversaw a win ratio of just 38% at League Two Gillingham from January 2022-October 2023, and an even poorer 36% with Cambridge United from December 2023-February 2024 in League One.

A short-term contract for Harris could have been a better idea

The Lions re-appointed Harris in February, with the belief that he would be able to guide the side to safety, an objective he looks able to deliver.

However, if the 46-year-old is not able to oversee a more comfortable 2024/25 campaign with the London outfit, the club may regret giving him a contract which lasts until 2025.

Perhaps the Lions should have appointed Harris on an interim basis until the end of the season, with the short term goal of avoiding relegation in mind, while Monday's defeat to the Millers could show the manager may experience similar shortcomings in the future.