Returning Cambridge United head coach Neil Harris understands fans’ frustration and disappointment at previous exit to Millwall

In his first press conference since his shock reappointment as Cambridge United head coach, Neil Harris was more than happy to address the elephant in the room.

It was last February that Harris – just 14 games into his tenure as U’s boss – accepted a call to rejoin his former club Millwall, with the manner of his exit leaving many United supporters angered.

And yet such is the way that football can work, almost exactly a year to the day since his departure, Harris was back at Cambridge’s training base this afternoon fielding questions from the media. To make the situation even more surreal, he was joined by the man that he replaced in the hotseat the first time around with Mark Bonner having been appointed the club’s new director of football.

Before reporters were able to quiz the 47-year-old, he was keen to open up on his departure 12 months ago.

“Last time I left was a bit of unique scenario and quite a whirlwind moment,” said Harris, who has stepped into the void left since the sacking of Garry Monk on Sunday. “It was quite a quick turnaround from leaving the football club when we were building some good foundations.

“I know there will be an element of people that were surprised at the time and surprised I’ve come back, but also a little bit hurt from when I left so sharply.

“I’ve come back because I enjoyed my role so much. I wanted to come back and rebuild those relationships I started.

“If anyone was disappointed with my sharp exit and lack of clarity at the timing I can only apologise for that. Hopefully me coming back in this role for the longer term shows my commitment and how much I enjoyed it.

“We built a platform last time that I hope was a part of the football club staying in the division and I want to start building that again.”

Later on Harris was asked if he felt that he needed to rebuild some trust – particularly with the fanbase, to which he replied: “I understand some fear in some people and let’s be honest there will be some people a bit unsure about me coming back.

“I know people were really pleased when I came in in the first place and with what we achieved in that spell. And then they will have been a little bit upset – I own that.

“It was a unique circumstance that when people look at it, I think 99 per cent understand my reason for going to Millwall.

“I went back for a reason to do what I had to do. This is where I am now. I’ve turned down a fair few jobs in the last two and a half months (since leaving Millwall) and this is a job that I didn’t want to turn down. This is a job I wanted to do.

“I’ve come for a reason and I really enjoyed working here over a three-month period. I’d go as far as saying I loved my job here and that’s why I’ve come back. I want to enjoy it again.

“I understand it was hurtful to some people because we was building something quite spectacular in a short space of time. I need to rebuild those relationships and I really hope me coming back in this difficult moment shows my willingness to do that again.”

Harris’ second tenure will get under way on Saturday (22 February) at home against Stockport County.