Millwall boss Neil Harris is backing Charlton Athletic or Portsmouth for promotion.
Millwall boss Neil Harris says he would prefer Charlton Athletic or Portsmouth to win the League One play-offs over Sunderland and Doncaster Rovers due to the potential southern rivalry, South London Press report.s
“Sunderland, Portsmouth and Charlton are three massive clubs at that level. And Doncaster as a club have grown a lot in the last 10 years. That is going to be five really good games at that level. Charlton have got real momentum going into them, they are on a great run of form,” Harris explained.
“A big part of me as a Millwall manager would like to see them get promotion because Millwall-Charlton games are special. They certainly would be in the Championship next year. But it would also be great if Portsmouth, under Kenny [Jackett] do it.”
In a surprising twist, Charlton pipped Sunderland and Portsmouth to third place on the final day of the season when, for much of the campaign, it appeared the latter two clubs were challenging for automatic promotion.
It means Portsmouth and the Black Cats will now face each other in the two-legged semi-final, with Pompey enjoying the better head-to-head record in league matches.
Charlton head into the play-offs having won nine of their last 11 games. The Addicks will be favourites to see off Doncaster and reach the final at Wembley where Harris is hoping they face Portsmouth.
The Millwall manager’s comments suggest his preference for a southern Championship rivalry. Sunderland are roughly 250 miles away from south London, whereas Charlton are on their doorstep.
Sunderland as a fixture may offer more prestige but, for the supporters, it is understandable why Millwall would prefer their close city rivals to edge Jack Ross’s side in a potential Wembley final.
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