Paphitis backs Wise

Last updated : 24 March 2005 By Neil Andrews
Chairman of the Board
Theo Paphitis
Lions Chairman Theo Paphitis has finally ended days of speculation over the demise of manager Dennis Wise by insisting that he is still with the club and has the full backing of board.

Wise has been overtly critical of the club's board members in recent weeks and has criticised their lack of support and investment in the squad. Matters seemed to have come to a head on Tuesday when the manager was summoned to a meeting with Paphitis after comments that appeared in the Monday newspapers, with several fan messageboards reporting that Wise had been sacked.

But Paphitis - who has re-confirmed his intention to step down at the end of the season- revealed the club had turned down two offers for players in order to give Wise the backing he has asked for.

"Dennis believes he can lead Millwall into the play-offs, and all parties are committed to supporting him in this aim," said Paphitis on the club's official site.

"To that end, we have rejected two offers for senior players so that the manager can have the strongest possible squad at his disposal.

"With regard to my position, I will remain as Millwall chairman until the last competitive game of this season and Jeff Burnige will take over the position thereafter."