Southwark News

Neil more determined than ever

Record-breaking goalscorer Neil Harris is desperate to become Kenny Jackett's first choice striker next season and is determined to lead Millwall into promotion contention.
Chopper, who leads the Lions' pre-season goal tally, having netted twice in 195 minutes of football, believes he is sharper and fitter than ever and simply cannot wait to get the season underway.

How tough has pre-season been?
I enjoyed the hard work, it brings the players together. The gaffer has brought forward new ideas; starting early and working hard all day and the players have been really receptive and taken to it really well.
Some people are naturally fit whether they are young or old. Fortunately I have always been able to run quite well and that has paid off in these opening two weeks - though there is a long way to go and a hell of a lot of ground to cover.

How significant is it that you lead the pre-season goal tally?
It is always nice to score goals. You do everything that you can to get yourself into the starting XI for the first game on August 9 and as a striker, scoring goals always helps.

So talk us through the Reading goal - a corker we hear!
It was late on in a tough game that was still 0-0. A move between me, (Marc) Laird and Danny Spiller saw the ball come across to me in the middle. I swung my right foot at it - trying to help it on its way towards the far post - and it looped over the keeper and went in.

How do you celebrate goals in closed-door games?
Well, you don't go off jumping on top of each other, or dancing round the corner flag. The pressure is off in those games but every time you put a Millwall shirt on you do your best and it's good to get the rewards.

How important is pre-season in staking a claim for the first team?
You hope that pre-season brings a fresh start for everybody, including me. I have worked harder in the off season than I ever have to get into the managers' plans and I feel extremely fit, very sharp and I'm raring to go.
For the team, it is massively important. Championships and play-offs are won and relegation is avoided by getting the preparations right in these couple of months.

With the all-goal record in touching distance, what are your personal aims for the season?
My only aim is to be in the team on August 9. Once I'm in that team  want to fight to stay  in that team. There is strong competition in the forward line but I want to be number one. Selfishly, I want to watch the others fight to play alongside me and will look to form strong partnerships.

How realistic is promotion or the play-offs?
the is Millwall. We are never a bottom of League One team - never have been and never should be. Last season was shocking and a disappointment to us all. But as players, we have the chance and the responsibility to get ourselves into the top six and fighting at the right end.

What would promotion mean for Millwall and its fans?
It is a season like no other. We have had memorable cup runs and fantastic Championship seasons in the past, but to push at the top of the league all season and then to cross the finishing line - there is no other occasion like it. It puts bums on seats, it gives the area a lift and a feel good factor. People wanting to be associated with Millwall brag to their mates at work on Monday morning. It gives the area a real lift and a buzz.

Are you pleased with the new lads that have come in?
The new boys have all worked really hard and are gelling well. Tony Craig was a fantastic signing, he should never have been let go in the first place.
He is back where he belongs; he is a Millwall fan, a fantastic player, a winner and is well liked in the dressing room.
(Crystal) Palace would not have been his first choice in a million years - but his reasons for leaving by the end were rightly justified.

Any more signings looking likely?
I wouldn't be surprised to see one or two more new faces come through the door, once other sides have settled down and worked out their squads. Any addition will be welcome and will drive people on.
There is speculation over a target man and it would be good for any manager to have different dimensions going forward - big, small, strong, fast - as long as we can get goals.