Harris set to become the Lions king
It was 19 September 1998 and Millwall were trailing 1-0 at Northampton Town in a League One fixture.
A young striker named picked the ball up on the left, cut inside and bent it into the far corner from the edge of the penalty area to level the scores.
It was Harris's first goal in professional football (co-incidentally scored his first league goal for the Lions in the same match) and a moment to savour for a striker who had learnt his trade playing for in non-league football.
More than 10 years later and the 31-year-old has amassed 111 goals in his two spells at Millwall to stand on the verge of becoming the all-time leading scorer at the London club.
And in some ways nothing has changed.
"That first goal was very special," Harris told me. "Scoring is the greatest feeling and you always want more. I still have the same hunger for goals."
It has not been an easy ride for the likeable and thoughtful forward - and many times it seemed as though he would never get near the total he now shares with another .
It started sensationally. Harris scored 25 league goals in the 1999-2000 season and won the golden boot as League One's top goalscorer with 28 in 2000-01 as the Lions won the title.
But in the same year he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and although , showing dignity and courage throughout, in 2004 he fell out of favour at the New Den under .
Difficult spells at Cardiff, Nottingham Forest and Gillingham followed before a return to Millwall in January 2007.
Then, in the final months of last season, boss and the striker could leave in the summer.
Harris's reaction to the news that he was once again to be bombed out at the club he loves tells you all you need to know about the man.
"The history of my life and career has always been a battle," he said. "I thought 'I'm not going down sulking, I'm not going to throw the towel in'."
He trained harder than ever, kept knocking on the door, eventually got his chance and scored a crucial goal in the win over Carlisle on 26 April. Shortly afterwards he was .
"To be offered a new contract was extremely satisfying," said Harris. "How did I change the manager's mind? By being professional and working hard."
Hard work, professionalism and earning what you have - Harris returns to these themes time and again in conversation.
And there is no doubt that Harris as a footballer was moulded in the non-leagues.
Up at 6am, train into London for his job at a Japanese insurance company, train back home, straight into the car and up to Cambridge for training or a mid-week fixture and not home until after midnight - this was Harris's life for several years.
Millwall signed Harris in March 1998 and the striker recalls clearly how much he enjoyed his first week in training. The surroundings, the environment, being a part of Millwall - it all felt so natural. When he explained this to the chief scout who had brought him to the club, he replied: "Why do you think I signed you?" But at the same time the striker also experienced something of a rude awakening. The expectations, the pressure to win, or, even more, not to lose - it was new to him and he wanted to be a part of it all.
"I have never taken for granted being a professional footballer and I think that is part of the reason why I still am one 11 years later," said the Brentwood-born player.
I have interviewed a fair few footballers and if I was to draw one conclusion it is that those who turned professional after having a 'regular' job that 'normal people' do have a greater appreciation of what they have.
Harris, as the following quote shows, is no different.
"Performances should get you trophies and money but a lot who come through have so much so young - not just the money but what is done for them or, perhaps, what they don't have to do. It is very, very easy. I believe that a lot of things given today are not earned."
He believes in doing the absolute best that he can every time he plays and reckons "always giving 110%" is part of the reason why he enjoys such a good relationship with the club's supporters.
But the fans at the can be demanding and have recently voiced their frustration as their team have failed to win their last three home games, all finishing in draws.
Harris thinks this can have a positive effect. It demands a strong personality and a winning mentality, factors that he feels can help to mould a successful player. One step down the line and it is successful players that make successful teams.
Millwall are enjoying a good season - they are currently third in the - and Harris is hoping for a repeat of the promotion he enjoyed in 2001.
What proved crucial in 2001 - apart from Harris's goals - was the togetherness in the squad, the willingness to stick together, to tough it out. "We have a terrific squad now but what will get us to the next stage is hard work and self belief."
The dream scenario would be the goalscoring record followed by promotion, though at the moment Harris is focused on making sure he remains in the manager's plans on week-to-week basis. If that happens then the record will inevitably be his at some stage.
Harris never played alongside Sheringham but they lined up against each other once when Millwall played West Ham. The two players swapped shirts at the end of the game. Harris talks in reverential terms about the man with whom he currently shares the record, describes him as an icon and says that to be mentioned in the same breath as the former England international is a great honour.
Nonetheless, Harris undoubtedly wants the record for himself and no-one can deny that the striker has earned the right to become the club's record scorer. His career has not been about shortcuts and easy options. I get the impression that this matters to him.
Four games have passed since Harris equalled the record but Millwall play at Cheltenham on Saturday. Perhaps a little slice of history will be made at .
Hello, I'm Paul Fletcher and I mainly write about life in the Football League. I have a great enthusiasm for a whole range of sports and love to spread the word about the great game of rugby league. You can also follow me on .
Comment number 1.
At 8th Jan 2009, newluke24370 wrote:Harris is a legend in the true sense of the word.To come back from cancer and still be the player he is showed true courage and commitment hopefully he will break the record this weekend i for one think he deserves it.
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Comment number 2.
At 8th Jan 2009, wearesunderland wrote:The blokes a ledgend and a Normal man to come through what he has and to achieve what he has is brill, If Millwall get to the play-off final I for one will be willing him to score the winning goal
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Comment number 3.
At 8th Jan 2009, SuperStrikerShivam wrote:Millwall lost to Manchester United in the FA Cup Final in 2004 in Cardiff.
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Comment number 4.
At 8th Jan 2009, shrink72 wrote:Yes SuperStrikerShivam, and Harris played.
But Sheringham left Manchester United in 2001.
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Comment number 5.
At 8th Jan 2009, Pouvoir wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 6.
At 8th Jan 2009, SuperStrikerShivam wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 7.
At 8th Jan 2009, RedRedForestRed wrote:Didn't work out for him at Forest but I wish him all the best and hope he gets the goal he needs this weekend.
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Comment number 8.
At 8th Jan 2009, Pouvoir wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 9.
At 8th Jan 2009, dodiesmith wrote:Re: SuperStrikerShivam: such nonsense.
After reading such a positive, uplifting and dare I say inspirational blog from Paul Fletcher, to receive this sort of response is beneath contempt.
Just wanted it noted that the main message was received and I wish all the very best to Harris. He is deserving.
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Comment number 10.
At 8th Jan 2009, Pouvoir wrote:Well said Dodiesmith - thank you.
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Comment number 11.
At 8th Jan 2009, SuperStrikerShivam wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 12.
At 8th Jan 2009, flames08 wrote:Paul, thanks for writing this piece, it makes a change for a journalist to be writing about Millwall without using the words riot, thugs, etc etc.. Neil Harris is one of the greatest players to ever play for us, and if it wasnt for the cancer who knows what he could have achieved. I am hoping he gets the record as soon as possible, but preferably at the Den instead of away.
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Comment number 13.
At 8th Jan 2009, ZampRoad wrote:I have had the pleasure of having grown up watching Neil Harris ply his trade for Millwall through some of our most successful times. Watching his first goal after his come back from cancer or the last goals of the 2000/01 promotion season campaign against Oldham in a 5-0 win, i have enjoyed every moment and every goal. The record is well deserved and i hope he doesn't have to wait much longer, Super Neil Harris!
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Comment number 14.
At 8th Jan 2009, Roger Salmon wrote:From a Gillingham fan.... well done Neil and keep going man!!!!
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Comment number 15.
At 8th Jan 2009, rhys1979 wrote:Neil is a legend in every way, I used to watch him play for Cambridge City, he was very young, but you could see that he was destined for pro football. I really hope that he breaks teddy's record this weekend. I for one will be watching the scores come in to see if he can do it. All the best Neil and your welcome back to Milton Road anytime you like.
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Comment number 16.
At 8th Jan 2009, livinghammer200 wrote:Wishing Neil all the the best, coming through the cancer was unbouterbly his biggest battle but to have the career that he's had as well, good luck to the man.
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Comment number 17.
At 8th Jan 2009, Total_Carnage (English by birth - Millwall by the grace of god) wrote:Harris is and always will be God to us.
He typifies what Millwall is all about.
SuperStrikerShivam - Don't you have some tables to clear ??
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Comment number 18.
At 8th Jan 2009, Showoff 606s Most Wanted wrote:SuperStrikerShivam - Not fit to wipe Harris' arris.
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Comment number 19.
At 8th Jan 2009, Pouvoir wrote:Nice one Showoff - lmao.
"SuperStrikerShivam - Don't you have some tables to clear ?? " A classic from TC - it gets better & better.
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Comment number 20.
At 8th Jan 2009, rona59 wrote:To compare Harris and Sheringham is more or less impossible due to the respective levels at which they have pursued their careers.
However Harris is the modern Millwall hero, and rightfully so, who will soon break Teddy's record.
Both my sons have grown up watching Harris ply his trade at Millwall and would not swap him for any other player.
There are other examples of professional players, particularly in the lower divisions, who have and are plying their trade with the same club after many years, and all are to be applauded for their loyalty and service.
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Comment number 21.
At 8th Jan 2009, *Bear* wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 22.
At 8th Jan 2009, neilthechimp wrote:A great story this. Harris is a true pro and is the kind of guy who deserves everything he gets from football. A rarity in the modern game. Good luck to him with the record and I hope he has a few more productive seasons ahead of him yet.
Neil (Liverpool fan).
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Comment number 23.
At 8th Jan 2009, PNE-09 wrote:A player I've always liked. I regard him as highly as Geoff Horsfield who was another great striker to overcome cancer and still play on. Two players who are a credit to football and as said before it is a rarity in the modern game. Think he could have broken the record years ago if not for the problems he suffered. Deserves to break the record and best of luck for the season.
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Comment number 24.
At 9th Jan 2009, C Payne wrote:As a Gillingham fan who saw Neil Harris fail to live up to the potential he showed at Millwall (whether you blame him, the management or whoever it didn't work out for him at Gillingham) it is hard to admit that a Millwall legend is a legend of football.
To still be able to play football at a decent level after suffering from cancer shows a certain amount of character & maybe the feeling at home at Millwall was due to his strong character (one imagines weak characters didn't survive too long at Millwall).
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Comment number 25.
At 9th Jan 2009, kheruvim wrote:What's happened to the ´óÏó´«Ã½ - a blog about a Millwall player? ;-)
But seriously, thanks for showing Bomber the respect he deserves - that game against Carlisle, the last home game of the season and a must-win game no less, really showed Harris' character. He was everywhere that day, he was so determined and stood up to be counted - a model which a lot of Premiership players would do well to look up to.
He will get the record and he has earned it the hard way.
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Comment number 26.
At 9th Jan 2009, ryanthelion01 wrote:The guy is an absolute legend. I have had the honour of watching him since he joined Millwall. Without doubt he epitimises what Millwall football club is about.
It was a sad day when he was diagnosed with cancer but it just shows the character of the man, being able to beat it and still play at a very high level.
Just being selfish I hope he does not brake the record at Cheltenham this week as I'd like to be there when he does.....
He deserves the record, and in my eyes he will go down as the greatest millwall player of all time......
Good luck Bomber, a true legend!
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Comment number 27.
At 9th Jan 2009, Bamber Boozler wrote:I believe that Harris is more deserving of the title of Millwalls highest goalscorer and Millwall legend than Sheringham.
I may be wrong but didn't Sheringham admit to being a West Ham fan, whereas Harris is Lions through and through.
He sounds like a really good man to boot.
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Comment number 28.
At 9th Jan 2009, telhurlockshair wrote:Sheringham lost his status as millwall legend as soon as he joined the vermin across the river. He then made sure he was well and truelly despised by most millwall fans by going on to say that he supported wet sham as a boy. Harris on the other hand is a true millwall legend who loves the club and in turn is loved by us. What hes come through is a true testament to his character. If it wasnt for the cancer i have no doubt that harris would've have gone on to bigger and better things, and probably would've done so with us as that title winning team of 2001 with a fit harris would no doubt have seen premiership football. And off the pitch hes an absolute diamond, one of the nicest most honest blokes you could ever meet who does more than his bit for charity.
Neil Harris - MILLWALL LEGEND THROUGH AND THROUGH
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Comment number 29.
At 9th Jan 2009, Croydon Yonner wrote:A lot of young players would do well to use Neil Harris as a shining example of how to approach the game.
An honest, loyal, hard working player who certainly knows where the net is. The type of player every club in the world hankers for.
Good luck with the record, Neil. I just hope you break it before Oldham visit; you seem to enjoy scoring against us.
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Comment number 30.
At 9th Jan 2009, West_Upper_Lion wrote:Great article, giving Neil some truly deserved praise.
Also nice to read an article relating to Millwall without a single mention of hooligans etc, are rare thing in itself.
Neil is a dying bread of loyal players who always gives 100% to his club and has been a big part of our success this year. Not only can he score, but he can hold the ball, and lay on great balls for others to finish. Like Dave Martin's first goal against Leeds this season, he made that goal.
Good luck Neil, get that record out the way soon and carry on scoring more.
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Comment number 31.
At 9th Jan 2009, Richard wrote:All the best to Neil Harris from a Port Vale fan. Quite apart from being a top bloke and a brave man, he's a fine player & deserves all the success he gets. If I was a Millwall fan I'd put him in a different league to the always self-serving Sheringham.
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Comment number 32.
At 9th Jan 2009, travele wrote:I am 30 years old and grew up watching Millwall & Sheringham down at the old Den and he was without doubt my idle. To compare Harris to Teddy is hard as Teddy went on to acheive great things both internationally and at club level. However ask me now, a little older and wiser and i would have to say Harris typifies what Millwall is all about, and i would love nothing more than for him to break Teddy's record. Teddy angered many Millwall fans when he decided to sign for west ham, when Millwall were doing well and had the chance to finish his career with the club it all started. Not only did he decline in a type of arrogant @im too good for them now' way he went to the worst club possible for Millwall fans. Harris you are the 'true' legend, you may not have won as many trophies as Teddy but you have won more hearts at the den! Harris for Millwall Manager one day!! CMON WALL!!
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Comment number 33.
At 9th Jan 2009, JBrown_1982 wrote:I'm a massive Millwall fan and have been for 20 years now. I have seen players come and go but Harris is different. You never hear a bad word about the guy when in the stands. I have followed his carer even when Millwall did release him. I've met him before and he is just a regular guy. Even my misses who doesn't know anything about football thought he was a fan, she really couldn't beleive he was a player. I hope he gets his goal tomorrow!
Also, it's about time something other than riots is covered when it comes to Millwall, Thanks.
Super Neil, Super Neil, Super Neil Harris!!!
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Comment number 34.
At 9th Jan 2009, gbsteve1 wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 35.
At 9th Jan 2009, gbsteve1 wrote:You can't fault Harris his work rate and approach to the game. My wife's a Millwall fan so I've seen him play a few times.
Even as one of the "vermin from across the river" I wish him all the best.
Steve (West Ham fan).
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Comment number 36.
At 9th Jan 2009, Paul Fletcher wrote:I'm glad to hear that so many people have so much time for Neil. He did seem like a genuinely nice guy when I spoke to him - the sort who you want to do well.
However, it looks like he will have to wait at least another week to break the scoring record - I hear the game at Cheltenham has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.
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Comment number 37.
At 9th Jan 2009, GD wrote:Did Craig Brown not try to get Harris into the Scotland squad in his circa 2000 heyday? Might have been quite a useful squad player for Scotland... Since he turned down our wonderful national team I've always noticed his name on Soccer Saturday or whatever when he scores, clearly a legend to all Millwallians.
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Comment number 38.
At 9th Jan 2009, nate_dogg89 wrote:Im quite surprised the game at cheltenham is postponed, as i live in gloucestershire and it has been getting progressivly warmer all week and i also think more likely to flood than freeze!
pity really it would've been great to have witnessed the record breakin goal first hand, true professional.
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Comment number 39.
At 9th Jan 2009, SuperStrikerShivam wrote:Tim Cahill best ever Millwall playa playin' for da Toffees Right Na Na Na...
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Comment number 40.
At 9th Jan 2009, LawdMuck wrote:Neil Harris is one of the nicest blokes I have met at Millwall in the 22 years I have been writing The Lion Roars. I won't be a lone Millwall fan that would like to thank Paul for his kind tribute.
What makes Neil stand out among peers is touched on in the article. He has lived and worked in the real world. He appreciates his life, perhaps more than most after his battle with cancer, but mostly because he knows what it's like to be me or you. He has not had a complete work life of pampering.
Although Teddy Sheringham is perhaps the finest player in Millwall's history, Neil's story is one for all young players plying their trade in the lower divisions. Loyalty will provide you with so much more from a career and in later life, than chasing a quick buck. Neil will be welcomed as a hero long after his retirement at Millwall FC.
We look forward to seeing the tribute T-Shirt when he finally breaks that record.
Paul Casella (editor)
The Lion Roars
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Comment number 41.
At 9th Jan 2009, swerdna wrote:The attitude of Neil Harris is such that I would hope that he takes and completes his coaching qualification. A would love to see him managing Millwall in 5/10 years time!
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Comment number 42.
At 9th Jan 2009, swisslion wrote:Indeed! Sheringham and Cahill were both MFC legends... but i believ Ben Thatcher was great as well... and now we've got Super Hackett and Alexander... Look forward to promotion...
Have a great weekend blokes !
Chris, Sion (Switzerland)
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Comment number 43.
At 9th Jan 2009, mfcvineo wrote:Great article about a true hero.
'Wall fans will never forget the goal at Watford on Bombers return from Cancer. Only thing missing from the aricle was the mention of the Neil Harris Everyman Appeal and the work Bomber has put into raising money for this wonderful charity. We were there for the first we were there atWalsall and we will be there when you beat Teddy's record.
Good luck Bomber and Come on you Lions!
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Comment number 44.
At 9th Jan 2009, bluefossie wrote:NEIL HARRIS a true Millwall man a club man and soon to be record goal scorer and not before time other players have made big impressions at Millwall that other striker who's record he is about to beat was one but Neil showed real loyalty by coming back to the club that gave him his break at pro level. You are a true lion in every battle on and off the pitch i wish i could be there to see you break that record and lay to rest the tale that Judas sheringham was the best COME ON SON DO IT FOR ALL OF US NEAR AND FAR
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Comment number 45.
At 9th Jan 2009, nikgoldman wrote:I am actually a leeds utd fan. And this season i actually interviewed Neil Harris for a soccer radio show i work for in Los Angeles. Neil is one of the last remaining true gents of the game, and a real role model for kids. He is what football is all about, hard working, loves the game and most important doesnt think he is above the rest! He has not let fame or football go to his head! i hope he breaks the record this weekend. And he is the only player, i didnt have a go at, when he scored against leeds utd, this season! Cus he is such a top bloke!
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Comment number 46.
At 10th Jan 2009, MANUTONY wrote:SuperStrikerShivam is a dick
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Comment number 47.
At 10th Jan 2009, milllllll wrote:BOMBER (MILLWALL) HARRIS,,,,LEGEND,,,,,ENOUGH SAID
teddy sherring(west)ham,,,,TRAITOR,,,,,
enough said
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Comment number 48.
At 10th Jan 2009, milllllll wrote:how many of you were like me, even after shering(west)ham left our beloved club still supported the man ? cheered when he was picked for england ?urging him to do well ?
raised the roof after he scored ? continueing to ring his praises ? hoping that one day he would return as millwall manager ? and all for what ?
so he could tell us all what he really thought of us NOTHING by signing for the enemy......HARRIS is and always will be a true legend a real MILLWALL legend.
and as for me i would welcome anyone to beat his record but in all honesty it could not go to a more deserving bloke.
he is a real credit to british football and all it stands for. a guy who applies his trade and askes for nothing more, a real credit to all the future wannabees. good luck neil go get it mate,,,,,,,,
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Comment number 49.
At 10th Jan 2009, Footerb wrote:Im a third generation Millwall supporter -Why is everyone bagging Sheringham for going to West Ham? Football is a business for 90% of the players, the other 10% stay loyal to one or mayby two clubs, that's their choice, the fact is and will also remain that Sheringham went to West Ham when he was past his sell by date, all his best years were with Millwall.
We all cheered when Sheringham played well and scored for us, he was brilliant to watch and bled blue blood whilst he was playing and breaking records for us; get over him going to West Ham - this article and comment section is and should be all about Neil Harris and what an amazing servant he has been to Millwall FC over the years.
Well done Neil, its a true pleasure to see a hard working family man be successful against the odds, your'e a shing example to all players coming through the ranks.
Ben in Australia
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Comment number 50.
At 10th Jan 2009, Richie-rmh wrote:What a great article. I watched a very young Harris at my local side Maldon Town when they played in the Essex Senior League and Harris was scoring goals for fun. He then went to Cambridge City and the rest is history, he is a true role model for any youngster, not these flash players with all their money and cars laid out on a plate for them. With the setbacks he has had i'm sure his autobiography ( should he write one ) would be a fantastic read and a real inspiration to up n coming players on how to give your best, work hard and get the admiration of the fans. It is a shame he didn't get that lucky break as i'm sure he'd have been a good premiership striker if he'd been given the chance.
I wish him all the best in breaking the record asap and although i'm not a Millwall fan i always look out for their result and to see if a certain player has got on the scoresheet!.
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Comment number 51.
At 11th Jan 2009, C0nk3r5 wrote:Hope he gets his record breaking goal and many more. He is a true legend.
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Comment number 52.
At 12th Jan 2009, Tumlion13 wrote:A brilliant article from Paul Fletcher ´óÏó´«Ã½ and so nice to read without mentioning Millwall hooligans and violence at matches, it does get rather boring after a while. May long it continue and others follow suit.
As a true Millwall fan I have had the pleasure of watching many great goals from 'Bomber' and the opportunity to meet him in the players lounge just after his come back from cancer. With out a doubt a true gentleman of the game, with pure passion, determination and willing to succeed, he typifies what Millwall football club is all about. He loves playing football and playing for Millwall F.C and fills The Den with pure delight and joy. There is certainly something special about a 'Bomber' goal when he scores in front of the Cold Blow Lane stand with you sitting in the upper tier blocks as I have done many times as a season ticket holder and a Millwall fan.
To 'Super Neil Harris' may you break the record and live forever in our Millwall hearts as a true legend to the club, taking us back to where we belong in The Championship. Perhaps you could take us to St James Park in the FA Cup, score and send some six thousand or so Millwall fans wild in celebration?? We at SE16 have had dreams come true. Long may they continue..........
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Comment number 53.
At 13th Jan 2009, ryantarrant1983 wrote:ill never forget that goal he scored at watford after coming back from cancer. it was on new years day and it was that good it got rid of my hangover!
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Comment number 54.
At 13th Jan 2009, SteveClaridge wrote:The Bomber is the epitome of professionalism, has repaid the faith of the fans and Kenny Jackett and as a fan of the club, I'd love to see him eventually end up on the coaching staff one day.
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Comment number 55.
At 13th Jan 2009, SuperStrikerShivam wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 56.
At 13th Jan 2009, madcap_laughs wrote:Harris now the all time leading scorer.... the guy will always be a Millwall legend. He and Sadlier used to be a fantastic pairing, shame both of them fell victim to injury and illness. Well done Neil, we've waited so long for a new hero!!
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Comment number 57.
At 13th Jan 2009, RoyRace76 wrote:I'm a bit late to this article but thank you Paul for posting it.
Following the live text update on the FA Cup 3rd round and thrilled to see Neil has broken Sheringham's record.
I had the distinct pleasure of playing junior football alongside Neil for a number of years and, as a previous poster observed, he was always destined to make it as a professional. He was a sensational goalscorer even at a relatively young age. In our U16 season I think he scored something like 87 goals.
Fantastic achievement. Congratulations Chopper, your old man would be very proud.
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Comment number 58.
At 14th Jan 2009, gazzlondonman wrote:well done to Harris - what a great achievement after all that has happened to him. Suggest we all write to Gordon B to get him an honour - he really deserves something
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Comment number 59.
At 15th Jan 2009, bluefossie wrote:well done NEIL HARRIS we as Millwall fans can and will talk about a true goal scoring legend i live in new Zealand and when my friend text me it wasn't the score he sent me it was about your goal that's how much it means to all of us i would like to take this opportunity to say thanks to all the supporters of other clubs who have posted messages all of which seem to be positive comments good luck for the rest of the season and may you score many more goals and get all the credit you so richly deserve
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Comment number 60.
At 15th Jan 2009, Essexliondownunder wrote:Great to read all the deserved tributes. Ive supported Millwall since 1987 and seen some great players come and go. Being exiled in Australia since 2003 makes it hard to keep up nowadays. Always remember bomber as not only a very skillfull player but he always worked his socks off. Thats all Millwall fans ever really ask for. During 2001-02 promotion season he was on fire and the illness couldnt have come at a worse time because he was really peaking. To come back from that and continue to perform at a high level is testament to the man and his spirit. I used to love Teddy but the move to West Ham was the last straw. There are some things you just dont do !!
Was genuinely moved when I heard the record had gone. I will have a cold beer in the Melbourne sun and toast "SUPER BOMBER HARRIS"!!
Bring in the Tigers - I was there last time May 2nd 1988 - Nuff said!!
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Comment number 61.
At 15th Jan 2009, washington333 wrote:For those who have seen Neil Harris evolve as a true Lions legend this is a very proud moment that we all want to share. His 1st goal at Watford after coming back from testicular cancer sits in our hearts. The whole team including our keeper Tony Warner joined the celebration. I remember the home fans applause also. I think we won 4-1 that day but Neils goal was the one that really counted. God bless you buddy. Keep pulling that Lions shirt on.
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Comment number 62.
At 16th Jan 2009, West_Upper_Lion wrote:Well you've done it now Bomber....a true legend and hero of football. To overcome cancer and comeback to continue is an amazing achievement and to become the club's leading scorer. A truly loyal guy who always gives 100% when he's wearing the shirt and rare in today's sporting world. You deserve all the praise you're getting and I am looking forward to being at the den this Saturday so we can all show how proud we are of you. Oh and make sure you bang in a couple more on Saturday - good luck mate.
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Comment number 63.
At 17th Jan 2009, InThePipe wrote:It's good to see him still in there giving 100% - hard work and a professional attitude bring the rewards they deserve. Top Man Harris
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Comment number 64.
At 20th Jan 2009, flyingmanchesterrule wrote:Legend! Great striker, also looks quite alot like Petr Cech!
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Comment number 65.
At 21st Jan 2009, chealyboy wrote:Well I hope that Bomber Harris reads all of these superb comments.
I have been a lions fan all my life, and despite the troubles that the club has had with its reputation, the football to me has always been outstanding, due to the scoring of one man. Neil Harris is a football legend, and like most of Lions fans will never tire of watching him play.
I have seen Harris score goals, laugh and cry on the pitch and control the crowds when needed.
A friend of mine once said 'Its hard to make a comeback when you haven't been anywhere' Harris, despite leaving Millwall to play for other clubs DID make that comeback, and just look at Millwall today, riding high under the wing of Kenny Jackett.
Hats of to Harris, A unique footballer and to everyone of us Lions fans...a pure legend.
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Comment number 66.
At 28th Jan 2009, Millwall85 wrote:At 12:27pm on 21 Jan 2009, chealyboy wrote :
I have seen Harris score goals, laugh and cry on the pitch and control the crowds when needed.
^^As too have I, the man is the embodiment of the club and a legend. One of few players at the club who genuinely had the power to control the crowds even during the most hostile of atmospheres.
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Comment number 67.
At 26th Apr 2009, robinmirror wrote:A player I've always liked. I regard him as highly as Geoff Horsfield who was another great striker to overcome cancer and still play on. Two players who are a credit to football and as said before it is a rarity in the modern game. Think he could have broken the record years ago if not for the problems he suffered. Deserves to break the record and best of luck for the season.
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Comment number 68.
At 8th Sep 2009, slatwalls wrote:I too like him very much he is one of my favourite...
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Comment number 69.
At 19th Sep 2009, DesktopGrindley wrote:Myself I have always said that Harris is a good player. I have to say that these comments are hilarious :)
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