Millwall

Southampton dismiss Morris report
Southampton have denied reports they are lining up a bid for Millwall midfielder Jody Morris. "We have not made any move for Jody Morris," Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe told the club's website. The 26-year-old Morris joined Millwall on a two-year contract just over a year ago, having previously played for Chelsea, Leeds and also for Rotherham. Lowe also stressed there had been no contact from Tottenham over England international striker Peter Crouch.

Burley turns down Millwall post
George Burley has turned down the chance to take over as Millwall boss. The former Derby manager held talks with chairman Jeff Burnige about taking over at the New Den, but told Millwall he does not want the job. A statement on Millwall's website www.millwallfc.co.uk said Burley "has decided that this is not the challenge for him at the present time." The Scot quit Derby citing that his position had become "untenable" and has also been approached by Hearts. Burley had been favourite for the Millwall job but chairman Burnige had admitted he was by no means a certainty for the post. "George has to decide whether he would be excited at the prospect of becoming Millwall manager," said Burnige after initial discussions. Millwall are looking for a replacement for Dennis Wise.

Wilkins looking for manager's job
Ray Wilkins hopes to return to a management role after leaving his job at Millwall, following the appointment of Steve Claridge as Lions manager. He had been number two to Dennis Wise at the New Den since October 2003 but will stand down now that Claridge has succeeded Wise in the hotseat. "I'd love to do it on my own," Wilkins told BBC Sport. "There's nothing better than making the decisions. "But if it was to be a number two than that wouldn't be a problem." Former QPR and Fulham boss Wilkins was assistant manager at Chelsea and Watford, alongside Gianluca Vialli, before joining Millwall. And the ex-England midfielder is keen to return to work in the upper levels of English football. He added: "I will work as high as I can work. I had my time with Luca at Chelsea and it is fantastic and enjoyable when you are working with exceptional players. "You want to work with the best players you possibly can. "We'll see where we go from here. It's what I've been doing since I left school. I aim to stay in football - I absolutely love it. We'll just see what happens. "We had some good times at Millwall. Reaching the FA Cup final was splendid for a club like Millwall and it was really enjoyable times for me. "But unfortunately it has come to an end and we just have to look forward. "I've no regrets whatsoever. We've had a great time with some smashing people, the players worked their socks off for us and we couldn't have asked anything more of them. "Whoever takes over will be inheriting a fantastic group and I sincerely wish them the best of luck." Wise looks set to return to a playing role, with Southampton keen to take the former England midfielder. Wilkins added: "I said to Dennis 'you've got to play as long as you possibly can'. "Your football career ends and you don't put your boots on anymore, which is a very sad time in your life. "When it comes to management he will not have a problem, no problem at all." Wilkins believes the appointment of Claridge, who has had brief spells as a manager with Portsmouth and non-League Weymouth, will be a popular one with the Lions fans. "I've never seen Steve work as a manager so it would be wrong of me to say how he will do," he said. "But he was very popular with the Millwall supporters and the players when he was here as a player, so I would assume they would take him on with no problems at all."

Claridge appointed Millwall boss
Millwall have appointed former player Steve Claridge as their new manager. The 39-year-old, who played 101 games for the club in two spells, succeeds Dennis Wise, who resigned in May. "I'm thrilled to be given the opportunity. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here previously and this is a challenge I just couldn't turn down. "Everyone at Millwall knows me and knows what to expect. I'm now looking forward to getting started," Claridge told the Lions' website. Claridge ended last season at Wycombe, where he had discussed signing a new one-year contract. It was his 13th league club in a career spanning more than 20 years. His first foray into management was a short stint at Portsmouth from October 2000 to Ferbuary 2001. It ended in acrimony when Graham Rix was appointed - with Claridge claiming he was kept in the dark. In between further playing spells, he had just over a year in charge at non-league Weymouth, but that also ended on a sour note when he was sacked last October. Millwall chairman Jeff Burnige also spoke to former Derby boss George Burley and ex-Cardiff boss Lennie Lawrence was also linked with the post. But he insisted the much-travelled striker was his first choice. "Steve fulfills the criteria I was looking for in a manager and is the only candidate to whom I offered the job," Burnige said. "He has previous managerial experience and a wide knowledge of this division. "The clinching factor for me, however, was his burning desire to manage Millwall. Steve has a passion for this club that the supporters can identify with."

Wise completes Southampton move
Southampton have completed the signing of veteran Dennis Wise. The former Millwall player-manager was released by the Lions at the end of the season and has signed a one-year deal at Saints as a player only. Wise, 38, began his career as an apprentice at Southampton but was released as a teenager. Boss Harry Redknapp told Saints website: "I'm glad we've got him, he has plenty of experience and you can't have too much of that at this level." Redknapp added: "He's a fighter and a winner and we need that kind of character in the squad. Wise said: "There were a few clubs in for me but I felt the squad here is fantastic. It is more than capable of getting out of the division. "I just hope Harry can keep his quality players - that would be handy! "I have played in this division and I know this group of players could quite easily get out of it. "I see the bookies have made us favourites which is nice of them! It puts a bit more pressure on the lads but there really should not be any because there is enough quality here." As player-manager at Millwall, Wise led the Lions to the FA Cup final in 2004. He resigned as Millwall boss after falling out with new chairman Jeff Burnige. With British and Irish Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward due to arrive at St Mary's after the tour to New Zealand, Saints stressed Wise has been recruited for his playing rather than his coaching skills. Saints chairman Rupert Lowe said: "We're delighted Dennis is coming. He's coming as a player but the fact that he has been a manager means he could help in certain ways. "He will be a leader and strong voice in the dressing-room and he will bring vast experience to the squad." Wise suffered some knee problems towards the end of last season but he has passed a medical at Southampton. Redknapp has been keen to add Wise's experience and combative nature to Saints midfield as they look to bounce straight back into the Premiership. In leading Portsmouth to the Championship title in 2003, Redknapp tapped into the experience of players such as Teddy Sheringham, Paul Merson and Steve Stone.

Claridge frustrated with reports
New Millwall boss Steve Claridge has expressed his frustration at reports claiming that several players are set to leave the New Den. "There has been supposition in the papers," he told the Lions' website. "But it's quite ridiculous - I'm looking at the papers thinking 'Hold on a minute, I'm the manager so I should know if they are going or not!' "I've come here to listen, hopefully find out what people want, and take it from there," Claridge added.

Stoke snap up midfielder Sweeney
Johan Boskamp has completed his first signing since taking over as Stoke boss with the capture of Millwall midfielder Peter Sweeney on a three-year deal. Sweeney, 20, played more than 50 league games for Millwall, who had also offered him a three-year deal. "We're delighted to get him. He is a young player with plenty of potential and his best years ahead of him," said City's director of football John Rudge. "He did well with Millwall last season proving he can compete at this level." Sweeney, who joined the Lions as a trainee in August 2001, is a Scotland Under-21 international. Sweeney is Stoke's second signing of the summer following Mamady Sidibe's arrival from League One outfit Gillingham.

Millwall chairman Burnige resigns
Millwall chairman Jeff Burnige has resigned after less than two months in the post at the New Den. A statement on the Lions' website said Burnige had quit the job for "personal reasons" but would remain a director of the company and the football club. The statement added that a replacement for Burnige, who took over from Theo Paphitis, will be named shortly. Burnige appointed former Millwall striker Steve Claridge as the club's new manager on 21 June.

Preston complete move for Dichio
Preston have completed the signing of experienced striker Daniele Dichio from Millwall for £160,000. The move appeared to have broken down when the Lions pulled out of the deal but the 30-year-old has now put pen to paper a two-year deal. Dichio said: "I wanted my next move to be to a club that was going places - one going for the play-offs and obviously aiming for the Premiership. "I have been promoted there twice and I want to have that feeling again." Dichio began his career at QPR and has also played for Barnet, Sampdoria, Lecce, Sunderland, West Brom and Derby. He scored 10 goals in 27 starts for Millwall last season.

Lee hoping Livermore will stay on
Millwall boss Colin Lee is desperate to keep star midfielder David Livermore, 25, who has attracted interest from Sunderland and Southampton. "He's a vital part of the team and trying to find another left-sided player of his calibre would be very difficult," Lee told BBC Sport. "It's best for both parties to resolve the matter one way or the other, but if I had a choice I would keep him. "He knows the league and has played many games the last three seasons." Livermore has made 266 appearances for the Lions since joining six years ago from Arsenal, where he was a trainee. His departure would be a further blow to the Lions, who lost key players like Darren Ward, Paul Ifill and Danny Dichio in the close-season. Lee, who took over in the summer following Steve Claridge's 36-day stint as boss, says he needs to know as soon as possible if Livermore is leaving. "We're two weeks away from the transfer deadline and if we leave it too late, it will give me no opportunity to replace him," he warned. "A lot of teams are looking for left-sided midfielders and there aren't many of them about. To be honest I don't think I can replace him." The Lions boss has praised Livermore for his attitude in training and insists the player has been no trouble. "He wants this to end one way or the other, the boy's trained great the last few days and played on Saturday having not trained for three weeks," Lee added. "I can understand his professional desire - one Premiership club and a big Championship has shown interest - and you have to take that into account."

Millwall 2-0 Bristol Rovers
Millwall secured their first victory of the season to reach the second round of the Carling Cup. The home side had the better of the first half before Barry Hayles fired into the roof of the net from Josh Simpson's cross on 55 minutes. Millwall continued their dominance with Ben May, Don Hutchison and Simpson all having efforts on goal. And the win was sealed five minutes from time when Carlos Fangueiro headed home with five minutes to go. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Millwall: Jones, Dunne, Paul Robinson, Phillips, Vincent, Igoe, Morris (Hutchison 66), Livermore, Simpson, May (Elliott 90), Hayles (Fangueiro 79). Subs Not Used: Serioux, Craig. Booked: Simpson. Goals: Hayles 55, Fangueiro 85. Bristol Rovers: Shearer, Hinton, Anderson, Elliott, Lescott, Campbell (Williams 67), Hunt, Disley (Carruthers 82), Ryan, Louis (Walker 53), Agogo. Subs Not Used: Bass, Forrester. Booked: Hinton, Agogo, Elliott. Att: 3,079 Ref: C Penton (Sussex).

Lions wrap up Jones loan signing
Millwall have signed Wolves goalkeeper Paul Jones on a month's loan. The 38-year-old Wales international, who fractured a cheekbone in pre-season, has not played in the Wolves first team since September 2004. Lions boss Colin Lee, himself a former Wolves manager, needed a new keeper after Andy Marshall was sent off in the 5-0 defeat at Reading on Saturday. With no substitute keeper, the Lions were forced to put Mark Phillips and Adrian Serioux in goal during the rout. "Saturday afternoon's events just go to prove that you can't afford not to have a keeper on the bench," Lee said.

Wolves 1-2 Millwall
Barry Hayles scored an injury-time winner to sink Wolves and give Millwall their first win of the season. Carl Cort headed home Jackie McNamara's cross at the far post for his sixth goal of the campaign to give Wolves the lead after 19 minutes. But former Wolves midfielder Jermaine Wright, just signed on loan from Leeds, volleyed home an equaliser soon after. Wolves were made to pay for missed chances when Hayles ran through late on and lifted the ball over Michael Oakes. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wolves boss Glenn Hoddle: "The game lasts 90-plus minutes and we've had our pockets picked and it's not a good feeling. "We've got to show a little more character than that and a little more resilience to beat teams. "We've got to take our opportunities to win the match and that will be our downfall this season." Millwall manager Colin Lee: "We stuck to our plan and won the game. We've lost games we've deserved to get something out of so it does balance itself out. "We've had a horrendous time of giving bad goals away. "I don't think they expected us to play that way. Sometimes when you do catch teams unexpectedly you get the result." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wolverhampton: Oakes, McNamara, Lescott, Gyepes, Naylor, Seol, Ricketts (Cameron 67), Anderton (Olofinjana 24), Kennedy, Cort, Clarke (Ndah 68). Subs Not Used: Postma, Craddock. Booked: McNamara. Goals: Cort 19. Millwall: Marshall, Ifil, Williams, Phillips, Vincent, Dunne, Wright, Morris, Livermore, May, Hayles (Serioux 90). Subs Not Used: Fangueiro, Hutchison, Paul Robinson, Igoe. Booked: Dunne. Goals: Wright 27, Hayles 90. Att: 21,897 Ref: U Rennie (S Yorkshire).

Sheff Wed 1-2 Millwall
Two Sheffield United old boys earned Millwall a second away win of the week as they moved off the foot of the table and Wednesday replaced them there. Barry Hayles opened the scoring early in the second half after a goalmouth scramble, before Graham Coughlan equalised with his first Owls goal. Carl Asaba, on for the injured Ben May, won it when he headed in Jermaine Wright's cross with 16 minutes left. Wednesday's Burton O'Brien and Richard Wood went close but Millwall held on. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sheffield Wednesday manager Paul Sturrock It's hard to put your finger on why we've made such a sluggish start. "Maybe I should have freshened the team up a bit. My players didn't want to say much in the dressing room, their heads were down. "I thought we were off the pace. Our link-up play to the forwards was poor and our midfield was poor. We've just got to roll our sleeves up and make it better." Millwall manager Colin Lee on strikers Hayles and Asaba "The pair developed an understanding and looked pretty dangerous. "Barry scored a goal from a set play we worked on in training and Asaba, who has had a bad time since he's been here in terms of fitness, scored a terrific goal. "I've got full praise for my players. We didn't panic, played our football and played with a lot of composure at times." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sheff Wed: Lucas, Coughlan, Hills, Wood, Simek, Whelan, O'Brien, Brunt (Rocastle 72), Eagles (Bullen 53), Peacock, Graham (Proudlock 53). Subs Not Used: McGovern, Ross. Booked: Whelan. Goals: Coughlan 66. Millwall: Marshall, Vincent, Phillips, Ifil, Williams, Dunne, Livermore, Morris (Hutchison 69), Wright, Hayles (Craig 87), May (Asaba 38). Subs Not Used: Fangueiro, Jones. Booked: Asaba, Dunne. Goals: Hayles 50, Asaba 74. Att: 22,446 Ref: T Kettle (Rutland).

Yeovil 1-2 Millwall
Two goals early in the second half secured a welcome win for struggling Millwall at Yeovil. They went in front shortly after the break when a fine cross from Barry Hayles was nodded home by Alan Dunne. Within four minutes the Lions doubled the lead when Carl Asaba capitalised on a dreadful mistake from Yeovil keeper Chris Weale and slotted home. Yeovil's Liam Fontaine was sent off for a foul on Hayles before Arron Davies headed a consolation late on. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yeovil: Weale, Amankwaah, Skiverton, Fontaine, Melono, Gall (Harrold 57), Way, Johnson, Jones (Sodje 61), Jevons, Bastianini (Davies 68). Subs Not Used: Terry, Collis. Sent Off: Fontaine (59). Goals: Davies 87. Millwall: Marshall, Dunne, Paul Robinson, Phillips, Vincent, Igoe (Hutchison 45), Morris (Craig 71), Serioux, Livermore, Asaba (Fangueiro 77), Hayles. Subs Not Used: Braniff, Jones. Booked: Vincent. Goals: Dunne 48, Asaba 53. Att: 5,108 Ref: M Russell (St Albans).

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