Marshall defends Claridge sacking

Lee replaces Claridge at Millwall

Millwall keeper Andy Marshall has backed the club's decision to sack Steve Claridge after just 36 days.

Marshall, 30, revealed he had become concerned about Claridge's style of management during pre-season.

"I'm an experienced player, I've been through many pre-seasons - and this one was not right," he said.

"I'm disappointed for Steve, because it has come so soon after he became manager, and he was man enough to face up to us and tell us the situation."

Marshall added: "I spoke to Steve and told him my feelings on the matter, but what we said will remain between him and me."

Claridge has been replaced by Colin Lee, who he had wanted to join as a coach on a non-contract basis.

I hope he will be given money to bring in some decent players Andy Marshall on Lee

Marshall has called for the 49-year-old, who took charge of first-team training on Monday, to be allowed to strengthen the squad.

He added: "It's not an ideal situation, but if the new manager is to be Colin Lee, let's get it done now and give him time to sort the team out.

"He did well at both Wolves and Walsall. He took training on Monday, he seems a nice fellow and I liked the session.

"But I hope he will be given money to bring in some decent players. You can't lose all the players we have lost and say it will not have an effect on the team.

"We need first-team players - not fringe players."