"My number one pick" - Millwall FC urged to hire Mark Robins despite potential issues | OneFootball

The Lions are on the lookout for a new head coach after Neil Harris stepped down from the role on Monday.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

After an incredible October and a very good November, Millwall were on course to be in with a chance of the play-offs. However, a downturn in form has hit them hard, and they have dropped towards mid-table.

Performances on the pitch have not quite been what supporters would have expected, but the surprise call on Monday from Neil Harris to leave the Lions has sent shockwaves through The Den, and has meant that the hierarchy at the club are now looking to hire a replacement.

Due to the short notice that the 47-year-old gave, he said that he would manage two more games before leaving, with the first of those coming on Wednesday evening as his side were beaten 2-0 by Sheffield United at home.

Millwall will make the journey up to Middlesbrough on Saturday, in what will be Harris' final game of his second spell at the club. Despite still being in the role for this week, names are already being linked with the job, including a recently sacked Championship manager.

Mark Robins would be the ideal choice for Millwall

Mark Robins was relieved of his duties by Coventry City following their 2-1 defeat to Derby County in November, but he could now be on his way back to the second tier with the Lions, according to Football Insider.

There are plans to hold talks with the 54-year-old, with the South London club seemingly looking for a quick turnaround ahead of the busy festive period.

Football League World has asked their Millwall Fan Pundit, Chris Chapman (YouTube channel: ChatWithChaps), if he believes Robins is the right choice for the Lions.

"My gut instinct and my initial reaction is yes," he started.

"He’s obviously done a very good job in previous roles. I know it turned a little bit sour towards the end at Coventry, but I think you would be stupid to not entertain the idea of Mark Robins coming to Millwall.

"My reservations would be the fall out with Adi Viveash, how has that left a mark, and how does he work with the coaching staff? The second would be that he would come in as a head coach and not as a manager because of the structure at Millwall. How would that fit in?"

Chris continued: "But I think in terms of his style of play and the sort of progression that we're trying to make as a club, I think it'd be a great appointment.

"But in reality, is it a viable option for us as a club? I don't know. But, in short, he would probably be my number one pick from the available candidates."

Robins has a great record in the Championship

Although there will be plenty of candidates for the job, not many will have the experience and nous of Robins, and he would be a fantastic hire for Millwall.

His record at Coventry speaks for itself, with his team improving their final league position in three of their last four seasons in the Championship.

While they struggled in 2024/25 with the 54-year-old at the helm, his impact at the club cannot be denied, as he helped them to the play-off final in 2023 and the FA Cup semi-final last season, losing to Manchester United in controversial circumstances.

Millwall need someone with the experience of Robins to mount a play-off challenge in the coming years, as they have struggled to breakaway from mid-table since Harris left for the first time, but things may start to change very soon.