Gillingham manager Neil Harris pays tribute to his former boss John Berylson following the Millwall owner’s death last week

Manager Neil Harris has spoken of his sadness at losing a mentor and a friend - following the death of Millwall’s owner last week.

John Berylson died following a car crash in the US, at the age of 70. Gills boss Harris has described the American businessman as a “class man” and someone who he would regularly turn to for advice.

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Harris played for Millwall and then became their manager under Berylson and the pair enjoyed successful times together. He went to the club last week to pay his respects.

“He was a class man,” said Harris. “A person who was a mentor and a chairman who taught me how to try and lead in a humble way, with humility but strength as well.

“He had real core family values that meant so much to all of us, and the way he supported me and my family was unconditional, and he became a friend as well.

“There was shock and sadness because of the suddenness of it. He was a really good man and Millwall has lost a really good chairman too soon but his legacy at the club, where he has dragged them from to where they are now, will live forever.

“Myself personally, I will miss him hugely, miss our chats and advice. He was the person I would go to for real strength of opinion and he never failed me once.”

Millwall’s record goalscorer Harris was appointed manager by Berylson as the club dropped out of the Championship. Alongside trusted assistant Dave Livermore, they won promotion from League 1, enjoyed two FA Cup quarter-finals and became an established Championship side again.

When Harris left in October 2019, Berylson said of his departing boss: “I would like to thank Neil from the bottom of my heart for all of his hard work, commitment and dedication to the job.

“Nei