BBC SPORT | Football | Teams | Wimbledon | Dons explain Burton dismissal

Friday, 26 April, 2002, 08:37 GMT 09:37 UK

Dons explain Burton dismissal

Burton spoke out over the club's facilities

Wimbledon have sacked manager Terry Burton - but chairman Charles Koppel has denied it is the result of a row over team selection.

The news came after Burton allegedly defied Koppel's instructions over team selection for Sunday's final Division One game of the season.

The Wimbledon chairman was reported to be furious that Burton selected Peter Hawkins for Sunday's match against Barnsley.

It was the overwhelming consensus of the board that we needed a change to move forward

Wimbledon chairman Charles Koppel

The 23-year-old Hawkins, who only broke into the first team this season, picked up a £10,000 bonus for passing a specific number of appearances.

Burton had also made it clear that he was unhappy over the uncertainty surrounding the club's future.

Sixteen Wimbledon players are out of contract in the summer and Koppel remains keen to relocate the club to Milton Keynes.

But Koppel has denied that the decision to relieve Burton of his duties is related to the selection of Hawkins.

"That is a lot of media speculation," said Koppel.

"We don't look at one or two instances. It's the overall two-year performance.

"It was an incredibly difficult decision. Terry is an excellent coach, a loyal and honest servant to the club.

"But we have to look at how we can take the team forward and build upon what we've got with some new impetus."

"We had a board meeting on Wednesday and it was the overwhelming consensus of the board that we needed a change to move forward."

No replacement

Koppel said that he does not have a replacement in mind.

"We do not have a new manager in mind. Given that it's just the end of the season, we will not be rushing any decision,"

So far former Wimbledon manager Bobby Gould is the only man to throw his hat in the ring.

It is a shock but nothing surprises me at this club because there is so much going on behind the scenes

Wimbledon goalkeeper Ian Feuer

Gould, who won the FA Cup in 1988 during a three year stint at the club, has said he is keen to build on the solid platform left by Burton.

Burton had previously criticised Koppel and the club's board over the club's facilities.

The manager, who had one year left on his contract, said he would consider leaving the club if the training facilities were not improved.

The decision to dismiss Burton has been greeted with bewilderment by many Wimbledon players.

"It is a shock. I have to say this is a strange one," said goalkeeper Ian Feuer. "I liked Terry and he was doing a good job.

"Every other game he was losing a player on loan and didn't know who would be in the squad from week to week.

"But nothing surprises me at this club because there is so much going on behind the scenes."

Defender Andy Roberts told BBC London radio that the players "just couldn't quite understand it ".

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ON THIS STORY
	Wimbledon chairman Charles Koppel "Our expectations were greater than Terry Burton delivered"

	Wimbledon midfielder Andy Roberts "It's a bit strange really"

	League Managers' Association chief John Barnwell "It's surprising that Terry has become another statistic"