Harrison, who left Fisher in the summer for personal reasons, takes over from Gary Abbott, who was sacked after the 4-2 defeat at home to Glebe in the second round of the Kent Reliance Senior Trophy.
With Fisher on a seven-game losing streak, Harrison wasted no time getting back on the training ground as he took charge of Tuesday’s session at St Paul’s.
And Harrison warned the squad any player who didn’t “put in 100 per cent effort” in the battle to climb off the bottom of the table and away from relegation danger would be dropped “with immediate effect”.
“I loved my time at Fisher before and only left the club because of personal reasons,” Harrison said. “The fans are the best in this league and I hope I can get them the results they deserve. The challenge ahead will be extremely tough but not impossible and I’m more than ready to put the work in.
“The first thing we need to do is to make sure that everybody in our dressing room is in it together and willing to shed blood, sweat and tears for the badge. Defensive shape and duties will be top of the list in training this week. Anybody who doesn’t understand the enormity of the task at hand or is not willing to put in 100 per cent effort for themselves, myself, my staff and this club, will be asked to leave with immediate effect. At the end of the day, this is senior football not a Thursday night 5-a-side league.”
Abbott was sacked after winning just three of his 23 games in charge. Fisher are bottom of the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table, having won just once all season. Abbott told the club in November, ‘if you’re not happy with results, get rid of me’, and the board decided to act after three further defeats that included their exit from the London Senior Cup.
A club statement read: “Fisher would like to thank Gary for his efforts whilst with the club and the important role he has played in helping the side find their feet at St Paul’s.
“Gary worked very hard for the club and the board recognise this, but ultimately the manager needs to deliver results and unfortunately they have not come this season. We wish Gary well for his future career.”
Of Harrison’s appointment, Fisher’s interim co-chairman Dan Feeney said: “Obviously we never wished to be in the position of changing manager mid-season, but it is great to have someone with Dean’s coaching knowledge and passion for Fisher wanting to step in and help guide us to safety.
“Dean knows his way around a relegation dogfight, and our fans know better than most what he can get out of his players when it is most needed. It is so important that everyone involved with Fisher now pulls together and throws their full support behind Dean, his coaching staff and the players to turn around this season and ensure we are watching Premier Division football at St Paul’s next season.”
Harrison’s first two fixtures back in charge will be away trips to Sheppey United this weekend followed by Deal Town on Saturday, December 10. His first game at St Paul’s will be against AFC Croydon a week later.