U’s to face a Millwall side with new boss on New Year’s Day

OXFORD United will face a Millwall side with a new head coach on New Year’s Day.

The Lions have appointed Alex Neil on a ‘long-term contract’ and his first game will be at home against the U’s.

Neil has previously managed Hamilton Academical, Norwich City, Preston North End, Sunderland and Stoke City, guiding the Canaries to the Premier League via the Sky Bet Championship play-offs, and the Black Cats to promotion from League One.

He replaces Neil Harris, who stepped down earlier this month.

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Lions chairman James Berylson told the club website: “We’re excited to welcome Alex to the club. Having met with him over the last couple of weeks, I have really enjoyed his passion and energy for the role.

“We have a clear vision and strategy at the club that Alex is aligned with, and he has some really exciting ideas of how we can progress with those objectives and ambitions together across the entire club.

“All our support is there for Alex, and I can’t wait to see what he can do for us. I, alongside everybody at Millwall, wish him the very best as our new head coach.”

United head coach Gary Rowett spent almost four years at Millwall after being appointed in October 2019.

He led the Lions to eighth place in the Championship, and then 11th, ninth and eighth in his three full seasons. Rowett then left the Lions by mutual consent in October last year.