Millwall boss Neil Harris says club's pride is back ahead of play-off final
Last updated on .From the section Football
Millwall manager Neil Harris says the "pride is back in the club" as they prepare for the League One play-off final against Barnsley on Sunday.
Victory would secure an immediate return to the Championship, after the Lions saw their five-year stay in the second tier come to an end last season.
"We have come a long way as a group," Harris, 38, told BBC Radio London.
"We have a terrific bunch of lads who have great spirit. Whatever happens we have foundations to build on."
He continued: "It is not just for me, but for years to come. We are at the start of something special."
Harris was appointed on a full-time basis at The Den following relegation last April, having taken charge the previous month following the sacking of Ian Holloway.
He oversaw a clear-out of players following the drop into the third tier, and guided the Lions to fourth place in League One this season.
"Maybe in hindsight it maybe wasn't the worst thing to go down, as it has enabled the gaffer to put his stamp on the team and make it a Millwall team again," left-back Joe Martin said.
"We have a few people who have been here for a few years and know what it is all about to play for the club. If you don't do it on the pitch you learn very quickly."
Harris, the club's record goalscorer with 138 goals in two separate spells, was a member of the side which won the League One play-off final against Swindon in 2010.
Four of his team-mates on that day - goalkeeper David Forde, defender Tony Craig, midfielder Jimmy Abdou and striker Steve Morison - could feature again for the Lions on Sunday.
"All I am asking of my players on the day is they give a good account of themselves and put on a proper Millwall performance," Harris said.
"We will try and use our experience, not just of previous campaigns, but the fact we have represented this club.
"We can prepare the players mentally and physically but then it is over to them for 90 minutes."
Sunday's opponents Barnsley have experience of Wembley already this season, having won the Johnstone's Paint Trophy last month, but Harris believes Millwall's supporters will have a role to play on Sunday.
"Barnsley played there this year but they didn't play against Millwall or in front of our fans there," he said.
"The noise at The Den in the second leg against Bradford was something special. That is what we will have at Wembley, with 35,000 passionate fans going to back their team.
"Every time we have had that, the players have performed. You have to have the link between the terraces and the pitch at this club."
