Football: Whelan walks out at Southend

Ronnie Whelan, the former Liverpool midfielder, has resigned as the manager of Southend United, who were relegated to the Second Division last season.

"The lack of cash for new players was one factor in my decision, as was the reaction of some of the fans at the end of the season," the former Republic of Ireland international said yesterday. "They made it clear that I wasn't welcome. I still want to stay in the game as a manager, though."

Whelan joined Southend as a player three years ago and took over as manager 12 months later, following the departure of Steve Thompson. The reserve team coach, Peter Trevivian, takes temporary charge of the team.

Gary Megson has quit as manager of Blackpool to take over from Dave Jones, now at Southampton, at Stockport County. Megson, the former Plymouth, Sheffield Wednesday, Everton, Newcastle, Manchester City and midfielder, also had a brief spell in charge of Norwich last year.

Burnley have put the former Carlisle manager, Clive Middlemass, in charge of team affairs until they can find a successor to Adrian Heath, who is now assisting Howard Kendall at Everton.

Chris Waddle, the former England international forward, has declared an interest in Kendall's old job as Sheffield United manager.

"In my own mind I have my own management team who I'd like to work with sorted out," Waddle said, "and I can continue playing."