Source: FOOTYMAD
Southend United sign Neil Harris from Millwall
S24 gave you the heads up last week and it's proved more correct than the South London local press! Lions striker Neil Harris has signed for the Shrimpers on a three-year contract. It's actually happened; Neil Harris is a Shrimper Subject to a medical and other formalities striker and life long supporter of the Shrimpers Neil Harris has signed for the club from Championship side Millwall. Speculation started last week when Echo journalist Chris Phillips, after earlier tweeting that he had interviewed Blues boss Paul Sturrock, followed that up with the line that the Shrimpers were 'in talks with Championship striker.' S24 had already been told that Millwall striker Neil Harris, who still lives locally, has been seen at Roots Hall and unless he's been showing the board his holiday snaps it would be hoped it's about the possibility of joining the club. However, the consensus was that his wages would be out of the club's range, but new board member Stewart Till is a former Lions chairman who maybe has some deep pockets, and we are talking about a side that finished sixth in the second tier last season, only eight points off a play-off place. Neil did extend his contract on January 28th until 2012, but is 33 now and may be looking for regular first team football, having made 20 appearances in the campaign just finished of which half of these were coming on a a substitute, scoring 3 goals. The Essex boy is a legend at the Den and must be seen a coup for Southend even as he approaches the veteran stage as he would have plenty to offer in the basement division. The Harris Saga A great story about Neil here: www.footymatters.com/community/beat-male-cancer-keep-your-eye-on-the-ball-with-the-neil-harris-everyman-appeal/ The rumours start: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/ shrimpers_to_reveal_interest_in_ championship_striker_679946/index.shtml Luggy warned us to be patient: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/ sturrock_waits_as_shrimpers_transfer_targets_ go_on_summer_holiday_679115/index.shtml S24 get in there: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk Whoops, wrong lads: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk The Harris Files A mural of Harris in Banksy style outside The Den Personal information Full name Neil Harris Date of birth 12 July 1977 (1977-07-12) (age 33) Place of birth Orsett, England Height 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) Playing position Striker Club information Current club Millwall Number 9 Senior career* Years Team Apps† (Gls)† 1997–1998 Cambridge City 64 (43) 1998–2004 Millwall 233 (93) 2004 → Cardiff City (loan) 3 (1) 2004–2007 Nottingham Forest 33 (1) 2005–2006 → Gillingham (loan) 36 (6) 2007– Millwall 147 (32) * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 13 May 2011. † Appearances (Goals). (Player info supplied by Wikipedia, for the full article go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Harris_(footballer_born_1977)
