Millwall boss reveals big priority this summer is to hold on to prize assets

By Richard Cawley

Neil Harris reckons Millwall’s first priority this summer is to hold on to their star men.

The Lions’ hopes of reaching the Championship play-offs were ended on Saturday after a 2-0 defeat at Middlesbrough.

Boss Harris said: “First and foremost we have to keep our group together – that is essential for us moving forward. We have got a fantastic core of players at a good age. We have to keep the younger ones who are in the side.

“Then we need to add a little more quality. We have got the nucleus of a really good group but have just fallen short at the final hurdle because we have not had consistency for the whole year.

“We need to add a couple. Are we going to spend £6million on a striker like Bristol City did? No. We need to carry on building with small steps, picking up free transfers and bargains – that’s the market we will be in.

“That is the reality. We can’t compete with teams coming out of the Premier League and a lot of other clubs in the division – look at what Birmingham spent and where they are.

“There is a lot we can’t do – but also a lot we can offer as well. We can offer a culture and environment where there is squad togetherness and minutes on the pitch.”