Gillingham manager Neil Harris on his vision for the club; former Cardiff and Millwall boss looks at long-term Priestfield plan

Gillingham’s new boss Neil Harris is keen to build a team the fans can be proud of.

Harris has played for and against the Gills over the years and wants to bring some positive energy back to Priestfield.

Speaking to the club after agreeing a two and a half year deal, he said: “I enjoyed my time here as a player so coming back as a manager is a privilege and an honour and I am extremely proud to be here. I know I am coming in at a difficult stage for the football club but we can only go one way now and that is a positive way.”

Harris’ first game is a relegation six-pointer against Crewe tonight (Tuesday). The Gills start the evening 10 points from safety.

It’s not just about tonight, however. Harris is committed to building something at the Gills even if there are some rocky times ahead. He was successful in returning Millwall to the Championship after they dropped down to League 1.

He said: “Yes, we need results quickly, but it is about the long-term as well and that is what sold it to me as well, (chairman) Paul Scally’s longer vision, about the summer and then moving forward hopefully in League 1 next year but looking at a longer plan over the next couple of years of trying to build a squad that resembles Gillingham Football Club.

“Football fans want to see passion and success, how do you measure success? That is against expectation, clearly the football club has not delivered on the pitch this year but there are good people here.

"Paul Scally has been here a hell of a long time, invested a lot of money and sweat and the fans invest a lot of money coming to watch and all I would say is come and get behind the team and hopefully enjoy it.

“I have come to hopefully enjoy my job and instil some joy and hope into the