Manager Neil Harris has spoken of his sadness at losing a mentor and a friend - following the death of Millwall’s owner last week.

John Berylson died following a car crash in the US, at the age of 70. Gills boss Harris has described the American businessman as a “class man” and someone who he would regularly turn to for advice.

More: Gills head to Italy for pre-season camp

Harris played for Millwall and then became their manager under Berylson and the pair enjoyed successful times together. He went to the club last week to pay his respects.

“He was a class man,” said Harris. “A person who was a mentor and a chairman who taught me how to try and lead in a humble way, with humility but strength as well.

“He had real core family values that meant so much to all of us, and the way he supported me and my family was unconditional, and he became a friend as well.

“There was shock and sadness because of the suddenness of it. He was a really good man and Millwall has lost a really good chairman too soon but his legacy at the club, where he has dragged them from to where they are now, will live forever.

“Myself personally, I will miss him hugely, miss our chats and advice. He was the person I would go to for real strength of opinion and he never failed me once.”

Millwall’s record goalscorer Harris was appointed manager by Berylson as the club dropped out of the Championship. Alongside trusted assistant Dave Livermore, they won promotion from League 1, enjoyed two FA Cup quarter-finals and became an established Championship side again.

When Harris left in October 2019, Berylson said of his departing boss: “I would like to thank Neil from the bottom of my heart for all of his hard work, commitment and dedication to the job.

“Neil very quickly and effectively established a new culture, one built with characteristics with which Millwall is synonymous; a never-say-die attitude, will-to-win, passion and desire.”

Harris has previously drawn parallels between his old boss Berylson and the situation he inherited at Millwall and the new era with the Gills, under US owners Brad and Shannon Galinson.

“We had some real good times,” he said. “That is what drives me on now and I am so pleaded to work with a new American owner who has every bit of class and quality that John possessed and I want to have good times here.

“As a manager, it is not just about support financially, it is about support in different ways.

“When I took over at Millwall the club was in really tough period and they were on the slide, the infrastructure was terrible, but we built it up. My years as manager was hugely successful but it was time for me to move on.

“This club I am at here are at a lower level, because they haven’t had the results, but with no infrastructure and in a real dark place.

“Now, with an American owner, we’re trying to build the infrastructure and the quality on the pitch and we want to get promoted and we want to have good times here.”

Gillingham will play Millwall in a pre-season friendly on Saturday (July 15) when they return from a trip to Italy.