Millwall put Wise in charge

Millwall today announced that Mark McGhee's contract has been terminated.

The shock move came after Millwall suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Preston at The Den last night. In another surprise move, it emerged today that captain Dennis Wise will be given temporary charge of team affairs for this Saturday's home clash with leaders Sheffield United.

Wise chaired a meeting with the players after last night's defeat, which had led to the team and manager being booed off.

McGhee complained bitterly he had been let down by the team, who are still only six points off the top. His assistant, Archie Knox, is also leaving.

Millwall chairman Theo Paphitis said: "We met with Mark following the Preston game and he agreed that it is in the best interests of both parties that there is a parting of the ways.

"The meeting was very amicable, and I would like to thank Mark for his contribution to Millwall. He took over in September 2000 with the brief to get the club into the First Division that season, which he duly achieved.

"We then enjoyed a very successful first season at this level, reaching the play-offs. Last season was a frustrating one, and, while expectations were high at the start of the current campaign, we have struggled to live up to them.

"We will be inviting applications for a permanent manager shortly."

McGhee said last night: "I feel let down by the players - it's totally frustrating, it has been all season. Preston looked sharper in every department." Wise has become an influential figure in the Millwall dressing room since McGhee controversially signed him on a free transfer last season.