Football: Nicholl heads Millwall exodus

Jimmy Nicholl, the Millwall manager, and his assistant, Martin Harvey, were yesterday sacked by the Second Division club's administrators.

Twelve players have also been put on the transfer list and the chief executive, Graham Hortop, made redundant. The former Millwall manager John Docherty will take control of team affairs and all staff who are staying on have been asked to take a 10 per cent drop in wages.

Administrators David Buchler and Lee Manning said: "These cuts were always seen as an integral part of the way forward. It is a very painful but necessary process. Both Mr Hortop and Mr Nicholl have been very loyal to the club, but it was our view that changes needed to be made in both areas to stimulate success both on and off the field.

"These changes, together with a planned reduction in the playing squad, will contribute approximately pounds 1.5m a year in savings. As well as concentrating on savings, we are looking at every area of improving the club's income and exploiting its excellent facilities.

"There is a huge amount of hard work still ahead and the financial position is still critical. The club will only survive with the help of the supporters."

Ronnie Whelan is waiting for a referee's report on which his job at Southend could depend. The Roots Hall manager was suspended by the First Division club yesterday and his assistant, Theo Foley, dismissed.

Southend acted after the pair were banished to the stand by the referee during Saturday's defeat by Manchester City. They had been angered by a tackle from Georgi Kinkladze on Phil Gridelet.

Vic Jobson, the Southend chairman, laid the blame for the incident on Foley. He said: "Foley was senior in age and experience and should have restrained Whelan. This is the first time anything like this has happened while I have been involved with the club and I take a very serious view of it. This is certainly not the sort of disciplined leadership the players require in our current situation."

John Toshack ended the most trying period of his managerial career late on Sunday when he resigned from Deportivo La Coruna. The Spanish side have been struggling to keep in touch with Real Madrid and Barcelona and problems on the pitch were aggravated when Toshack clashed players and fans.

Meanwhile, Barcelona's embattled coach, Bobby Robson, has been offered money by some of the club's fans to leave the job. One group implored the former England manager to leave, saying: "Please disappear as soon as you can. If you need money, we can give it to you."