Millwall's patience could land them Burley

Jeff Burnige has taken more time than most Millwall fans would have liked to find a new manager but if he succeeds in convincing George Burley to take over at the Den next week, those same supporters will be grateful for the chairman's patient approach.

Burnige is understood to have reduced his shortlist to two names before Burley announced he was stepping down at Derby this week but the Scot's unexpected availability has catapulted him to the front of the queue.

The identities of Burnige's other candidates remains unknown, though it is thought that one is managing in the lower divisions while the other is an experienced former manager, who is out of work. Irrespective, it is fair to assume neither would have the credentials of Burley.

The 49-year-old Scot, who has been linked with both the Fulham and West Ham posts this year, is highly regarded among his peers.

He served Ipswich with distinction for eight years, most memorably winning manager of the year in 2000 after leading the club to a fifth-placed finish in the Premiership.

He was dismissed at Portman Road in October 2002 but reaffirmed his managerial qualities at Derby, whom he took from the depths of the old First Division to the top four of the Championship. Derby fans are dismayed at his decision to quit. Many claim the club have lost their best manager since Brian Clough.