Millwall boss Neil Harris delivers verdict on Hull City's Ryan Longman loan move
Millwall boss Neil Harris admits he's been impressed by the progress Ryan Longman has made since he took over for a second stint following Joe Edwards' departure in February.
Longman is coming to the end of his season-long loan move at The Den having joined the Lions from Hull City during the summer transfer window, and will return to East Yorkshire this summer to have further discussions around his Tigers future.
The 23-year-old had been involved in four goals in his last five games prior to Saturday's 1-0 home win over Plymouth Argyle including a contender for goal of the season when his run and thumping finish beat leaders Leicester City 1-0. In his 34 games, Longman has three goals and three assists to his name in what has been a season of struggle for the South London club battling against being dragged into the bottom three, before Harris edged the Lions away from danger.
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“It takes time for me to learn about players and it takes time for players to understand what I want," Harris told reporters. “I’ve impacted some players really quickly and others I’ve had to take time to impact. Maybe Longy was one who just needed a bit of time.
“Ultimately, Longy plays his best football when he’s got space to attack. He’s got pace and energy and really good end product. He’s got the ability – and it’s a dying art in the modern game – to cross the ball on the run. And Millwall fans love a winger that crosses the ball on the run.
“They loved Jed Wallace, Jimmy Carter and Christophe Kinet. Ryan should be really proud of himself. I’ve just tried to help him develop as a Millwall player to help us and he has done.”