Kennington News

NEW signings Gary Alexander and Danny Spiller will give Millwall an extra edge, says team-mate Neil Harris.

The duo will put pen to paper on two-year deals on July 1, after signing agreements on Monday at The Den.

They are the first signings of the summer by boss Willie Donachie - and there could be more on the way.

The manager was determined to boost his squad to ensure it kept the competitive edge which saw them get points off all the top nine teams apart from champions Scunthorpe.

The signings come with the club being backed as third favourites, at 5-2, to finish in the top three at the end of the season, behind Leeds and Forest.

"Getting these two in adds quality to the squad and that is fantastic," said Harris.

Alexander scored twice against the Lions last season, in both home and away games, and was especially impressed with the reaction of the home fans when the O's won 5-2 at The Den.

The 27-year-old has 113 career goals so far,for Exeter City,Swindon Town, Hull City and Leyton Orient. He hit 12 goals for the struggling O's last term, and was instrumental in many more strikes for team-mates.

But he has been a Millwall fan all along - his dad, who lives in Kennington, is a season ticket holder.

"I have played against Gary several times and know he's a smashing lad," said Harris. "The other boys I know at Leyton Orient speak very highly of him.

"His being a fan can only help benefit the team because that will give him the desire to win things."

Spiller was playing up front at the end of last season too,after a tough season when he fell out of favour with boss Ronnie Jepson.

The 26-year-old was out of contract at Priestfield and turned down a trial with Charlton to sign for the Lions.

"Danny's attitude is first class," said Harris, who played alongside the midfielder during a loan spell in 2005-06. "He wants to do well - he wants to learn and he wants to win things.That is the type of player we need.

"He is a born winner and he gets stuck in. His fitness levels are superb,and he'll run all day for us.

"He has a lot of natural abillity and he can play in several positions for us.

"The fact he played as a striker at the end of last season shows how much ability he's got.

"As a midfielder, he can play a central role, or wide,or as the holding man, though he prefers to go forward and be a part of things. Dave Brammer will enjoy playing with him."

Donachie's assistant Pat Holland said: "Both their clubs wanted to keep them, which is a good sign. They both see this as a step forward in their careers. And they were both keen to come. Hopefully, they will settle early and give us an edge.

"Gary has a good reputation and a good scoring record, and he is experienced. Hopefully, he'll be a big asset. His being a fan does not come into our consideration - but it's a big bonus.

"He said the home fans were fantastic when Leyton Orient beat us 5-2. He wanted more of that. I told him that if he wins them over,he'll do well.

"He wanted a new challenge,and he is quietly confident in his own ability.

"Spiller is a good footballer. He had a great spell two years ago but has been unlucky with injuries since then. He is a very enthusiastic young man."