FPATT PRESS RELEASE
Neil Harris, Millwalls all time record goal scorer has spoke out in support of the formation of a players union in Trinidad and Tobago. “These days, it is immensely important as a player to know you have the security of an organisation that you can trust to look after your best interests” said Harris. “there are so many people willing to offer you advice, but you can’t always be sure if the advice offered is better for you, or better for them. Clubs, managers, physios, agents and even the F.A. have their own interests to consider first, whereas the P.F.A.s’ main interest is to support you as a player.”
Harris enjoyed an illustrious first season with Millwall, winning the Golden Boot in 2000/2001 as the top English goal scorer. After spells with Cardiff (loan), Nottingham Forest and Gillingham (loan), Neil has finally returned to his spiritual home. “Millwall is where I feel at home, and I fully expect us to be challenging for an automatic promotion spot next season” said Harris, who scored his 94th league goal for Millwall against Rotherham in January, to steal Teddy Sheringhams title of all time league goal scorer.
“It was a proud moment” said Neil “But one that I didn’t think I would achieve back in 2001” Harris was out of football for nearly a year when he was diagnosed with cancer. “That’s when you realise that you have to be grateful for what you have and not take things for granted. A few months before, I was a goalscoring hero, the next, just another patient in hospital. At these times, the support of family and friends is essential. But it is also when you realise that the PFA is there for you. Aside from fighting illness, you worry about your career, and although the supporters and staff at Millwall were tremendous, you know that you‘re only as good as your last game. The guys at the PFA gave me support and advice, and it was comforting to know that there was financial security in place via their insurances and pensions if I needed it.”
“For the players in Trinidad & Tobago to have the support of a players union is invaluable. You take it for granted most of the time, but if you are unlucky enough to go through a difficult phase in your career, its good to know you have someone on your side” said Harris, who played alongside Soca Warriors Brent Sancho and Ian Cox at Gillingham. “The PFA have contacted me several times to offer advice to players suffering similar traumas to me, and I’ve been delighted to offer some comfort to those guys.”
About the formation of the Football Players Association of Trinidad & Tobago, Neil said “I saw how proud Sanch and Coxy were about representing Trinidad & Tobago in the world cup and was a little bit envious”. Harris continued “it’s a vast achievement, and it’s a shame that players are not being selected because they are in dispute with their federation over bonuses. It’s something that wouldn’t happen here in England, as the P.F.A. would be the middle man between players and clubs or the F.A. This is why its essential for FPATT to speak on behalf of all of Trinidad & Tobago’s players. “
Looking forward, Neil’s next target is Sheringhams 111 goal all competition total. “it’s a target I’ve always aimed for” said Harris. “My total stands at 104 goals, so I really feel its finally within my reach”