Harris’ comments after his final home game in post on Wednesday, a 1-0 defeat by league leaders Sheffield United, appeared to back up Hart’s theory.

“What I think I’ve probably done and emphasised to everybody is said, ‘look, it’s fine having some young players with not a lot of football knowledge’,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“But to be successful here, as in Millwall Football Club, you have to have Millwall knowledge, so it’s getting the balance between the two, having young players with raw ability, but having real Millwall knowledge as well.”

The “Millwall way” is something he has referenced a lot in interviews and press conferences this season – winning duels and headers, applying maximum effort.

But it appears the club has been preparing itself to go in a new direction under James Berylson, son of John.

The appointment of Edwards – a respected coach who was untested in a head role – was a clear indication of intent to play more expansive football after the Gary Rowett era.

But that failed venture lasted just 19 matches, with the most familiar of faces in Harris drafted in to save the day. Now he is leaving again, the club has a big decision to get right.

He revealed he had told the players and staff he was leaving at the club’s training ground on Tuesday and had been moved by the response, saying there had been “quite a few grown men crying”.

“It’s been a mega time,” he added. “Ten months, it’s been immense. Twenty-five years [including his playing career at the club], it’s been amazing for me and my family here, a privilege to be the Millwall manager.

“The time is right for me to part ways and leave the mantle for someone else to pick up and drag the club forward.”

Harris said for now he was looking forward to spending Christmas with his family.

But Parry said it would be no surprise to see “Mr Millwall” back at The Den in some capacity in the future.

“Millwall got under Neil’s skin. He went away as a player, he came back. He went away as a manager, he came back,” Parry said.

“This is so long but I don’t think it’s goodbye. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if Millwall find themselves in a difficult situation in the future and Neil was available that they wouldn’t turn to him to come and do something – it’s his football club.”