Give the job to Burley!

By Micky Monsoon
May 25 2005

George Burley would be a good choice to take the manager's job at Millwall. The Scot is allegedly at the centre of some off-the-field controversy at Pride Park, so could become available. Probably, we'll appoint someone before he's back on the job market though.

George Burley is set to make a decision on his future as Derby manager after receiving a boardroom vote of confidence in response to allegations of misconduct.

Reports suggested the Rams boss, who signed a new one-year rolling contract in March, was the subject of an internal investigation after allegations regarding his conduct.

But Derby chairman John Sleightholme said: "There has been no investigation as to George Burley's conduct by the board.

"The entire board are pleased with the progress that has been made this season under George Burley's leadership.

"We look forward to making further progress next season with George at the helm."

There have also been suggestions the accusations were part of unrest behind the scenes at Pride Park, particularly since the appointment of Murdo Mackay as director of football.

Burley had initially taken temporary managerial charge at Pride Park in March 2003 when John Gregory was suspended by previous chairman Lionel Pickering pending the outcome of a separate club investigation.

Gregory was subsequently sacked and Burley appointed to the permanent post in his stead, although the former Villa, Wycombe, Plymouth and Portsmouth boss would later win a substantial out-of-court settlement at the Rams' expense.

Meanwhile, Burley struggled to keep the Rams afloat in the 2003-04 First Division season with the club finishing fifth bottom and only one point clear of the relegation zone.

But Burley's inspired series of free-transfer signings - headed by the likes of Grzegorz Rasiak, Inigo Idiakez and Tommy Smith - transformed the Midlands outfit into promotion candidates in 2004-05 with the club eventually finishing fourth in the Coca-Cola Championship.

Burley's ability to achieve miracles on a limited/non-existant budget will appeal to Millwall, who are looking for a new boss who can cut costs yet achieve promotion.