Harris: It will be an honour to face Manchester United

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Interim head coach can't wait for his first game in charge as Albion face United in the WSL on Sunday.

Bruce Talbot

2024-02-03T07:00:00Z

Mikey Harris.

Mikey Harris says it will be an ‘honour’ to manage Albion for the first time on Sunday.

Harris has taken over as interim head coach of the women’s first team, and his first game is a ‘brilliant fixture’ away to Manchester United in the WSL.

“I am honoured to be asked and it’s something I am really excited about, starting with a massive game against Manchester United on Sunday,” said Harris. “I’m sure we can do the club proud but we have to perform the best we can.

“It’s a brilliant fixture. If you can’t be excited and get yourself up for Man United away then you shouldn’t work in football.”

Harris, who has been working with the men’s under-21s set up stepped up after Melissa Phillips left the club on Thursday after nine months in charge.

“It’s never nice when someone like Mel, who I have a lot of respect for, loses their job. Unfortunately, it’s part of the job in the industry we work in. I wish her well,” added Harris. “It’s been a huge surprise. I was working on loan deals for the under-21s I and I was then asked to lead the team during this period.

“I’m excited about working with the girls and hopefully progressing the team forward, however long I am in the role.”

Harris will take training on Saturday morning before using the coach trip north to speak to the squad on an individual basis.

“It has been difficult for the players, and we have to support them the process of accepting what has happened," he said. "Change is always hard in any walk of life and it’s always challenging when a head coach departs, whatever the circumstances.

“It’s my intention to chat to them one-to-one and get to hear how they are feeling and how I can support them – which is something that drives me as a person. I want them to be the best version of themselves.”