Former Claret gets Millwall job

Chairman Stewart Till said today: “The first thing we needed to do was buy ourselves a bit of time to assess the situation after Nigel left us, to take stock and ensure that our next appointment was the right one. We knew that Willie would prove a safe pair of hands because he is a vastly experienced coach and assistant, but we wanted to be certain that he was the right man to take charge of the team long term.

“There is still much to be done, but the Board have now reached the conclusion that Willie Donachie is ideally suited to preside over a continued progression and deserves the opportunity to show what he can do.”

Donachie left Burnley in the summer of 1984 after just under two years at Turf Moor. He joined Oldham Athletic on a free transfer, linking up with Joe Royle again and virtually all his career since has been with the former Everton and Manchester City striker.

He became Royle's assistant at Oldham and carried out the same role at Everton, Manchester City and Ipswich, leaving Portman Road when Royle was dismissed at the end of last season. The only time he's worked without Joe Royle was during a short spell as assistant to Nigel Spackman at Sheffield United and then with Spackman again at Millwall.

This is his first management job and he said after being confirmed as the new boss: “I know that football is an instant results business, and my main goal is to win matches on a regular basis and get promoted.

“But I am also keen to get involved in the long term development of the club so that Millwall can be successful for the foreseeable future. We have made some progress already, but I am confident that we will get to where we want to be.”