Millwall sack Donachie

A 4-0 defeat to Carlisle at the weekend saw the Lions sink to the foot of the table and the London club's board felt action was necessary.

Executive deputy chairman Heather Rabbatts said in a statement: "This decision was taken by the board with a heavy heart.

"We took the view that, as at the same stage last season, decisive action was necessary in the long-term interests of the football club."

Donachie took charge in September last year and led Millwall from a precarious position in the relegation zone to mid-table safety, but that upturn was not continued this term.

Veteran defender Richard Shaw, assisted by Colin West, will take charge of the first team for this weekend's clash with fellow strugglers Gillingham.