Under-fire Wise wins a stay of execution

Millwall chairman Theo Paphitis today insisted that Dennis Wise has the full backing of the club.

There has been increased speculation that Wise could face the sack as early as this week because of his strained relationship with the board.

Matters were brought to a head at the weekend when he accused the club of failing to invest in the new players he believes would help them into the Championship play-offs.

But Paphitis released a statement today to offer Wise his support, although he stopped short of guaranteeing the player-manager a long-term future at the Den.

Paphitis said: "Dennis Wise believes that he can still lead Millwall into the play-offs and all parties are committed to supporting Dennis in this aim. To that end, we have rejected offers for two senior players in order that the manager has the strongest possible squad at his disposal."

The players are believed to be defender Darren Ward and midfielder Paul Ifill, who has been courted by Stoke.

Paphitis, added: "My hope is that by dispelling any lingering doubts about their futures, everyone at Millwall can now focus all our attention on trying to achieve a successful conclusion to the season."