Wise needs coaching badge

Dennis Wise, now perhaps in line to challenge Arsene Wenger as the manager of the season, today joked that he is determined to win his first coaching badge before he wins his first trophy.

Millwall's player-manager admitted with a laugh after steering his unsung heroes to their first ever FA Cup final that he is determined to complete and pass his UEFA 'B' coaching course in the next fortnight while also trying to plot his team's course to the double of promotion to the Premiership and a Cup final win.

Admitting that he did not even know whether he would be allowed to coach Millwall in the UEFA Cup until he had the right qualifications, he said: "You'll laugh, but it's mad. I still haven't got a badge. It's not as if I haven't played the game for a few years and I kind of like to think I know what I'm talking about.

"But you have to do it. There's certain situations where you need it. It's like taking a driving test, you have to drive properly."

Wise, who has been in management since October, said he did not know whether he would have a long-term future in the role. "At the present time I'm enjoying it but I don't know how I'll feel in a year or two years' time. I've signed a contract with Millwall for one more year," he said.