Recognition of Neil Harris' contribution to Millwall FC

12.00.00am GMT Thu 15th Jan 2009

Today I tabled an Early Day Motion congratulating Neil Harris for becoming Millwall's highest all-time scorer. The striker's 112th goal helped the Lions to an away victory at Crewe in Tuesday's FA Cup replay. The efforts of Harris and his team-mates mean that Millwall fans can now look forward to a fourth round draw against Premiership high fliers Hull.

The Early Day Motion will see Parliament recognise Neil's contribution to football. His goal-scoring record is testament to the loyalty and dedication Neil has shown his club, qualities that are becoming increasingly rare in today's modern game.

I have also called on Parliament to recognise the courage Neil has shown off the field in his battle against testicular cancer. Neil not only successfully overcame this cancer but also used his profile to raise awareness of an illness for which early diagnosis is so important.

Text of Early Day Motion I have submitted to Parliament

This house congratulates Neil Harris on scoring the second Millwall goal in the team's successful FA Cup third round replay against Crewe on 13th January 2009, and therefore becoming the highest scorer ever for Millwall FC; believes that Neil deserves the widest recognition as one of the greatest of all the generations of Lions who have played for Millwall over the years since the club was founded in 1885 and moved to south London in 1910; recognises the huge credit, entertainment and quality which Neil's skill and loyalty have brought to Millwall since his first game in 1998; also pays tribute to Neil for the personal courage which he showed after being diagnosed with testicular cancer, for going public about the importance of recognising this disease, and for successfully overcoming it; and wishes him and his family all the best in the future - which Neil's unique football contribution deserves.