Ambler: Managerial shortlist will not be restricted by a number

The Lions have already received a large volume of applications to succeed Jackett following his resignation last Tuesday, with Alex McLeish and Phil Parkinson just two of the latest names linked with the role.

Millwall are set to draw up a shortlist in the next few days before holding interviews, although Mr Ambler was keen to stress there is no specific number for how many potential suitors reach that interview stage.

“It depends on what we believe is the right number at the time,” the chief executive told News Shopper.

“I don’t think we are going to be restrictive and say we can only see five, six or eight, it depends.

“We still have applications coming in believe it or not.

“We will sit down next week, draw up a shortlist and then move to starting the interview process within the next seven to 10 days.

“The standard of applicants has been varied, it consists of a combination of very experienced managers and completely inexperienced managers.

“It is a broad spectrum from probably ones that people would expect to some interest from abroad as well. It has been encouraging.”

Ambler added: “I would say we’ve got a complete open mind.

“It is a case of the board and the chairman sitting down, looking at the applicants and then seeing what we think is the best fit to build on the platform which Kenny has left in place.

“Normally if you appoint a manager straight away it is because you’ve sacked a manager and you’ve lined somebody up to take his place.

“I think it is unrealistic when you have a manager resign after five-and-a-half years that you are in place to replace him straight away, so I think realism means we are going to take our time.

“We said that from day one.

“The timing of Kenny’s resignation helped us with that.

“We want someone in place certainly before mid-June so we can start work with regard to the pre-season.”

One man who hasn’t expressed an interest in being the next manager of Millwall is Jackett’s assistant Joe Gallen.

Mr Ambler said: “Joe at the moment is the assistant manager at Millwall.

“He has taken a hard-earned couple of weeks of holiday and like most people whose season has finished, he is away at the moment.

“Joe hasn’t put himself forward for the job but he, Tim Breacker and Kevin Pressman are all still Millwall staff and that may well continue into next season.

“Nothing changes at the club other than Kenny not being here.

“Everybody else is still in place at the moment from the staff and plans for the pre-season continue.

“We signed Danny Shittu on a new two-year deal yesterday, which was important to give us that base from the squad from last year.

“On player recruitment issues the chief scout is still working hard, as are his staff.

“Obviously we won’t finalise anything until there is a new manager in place but work is still going on.”

Meanwhile, Mr Ambler says it will be down to whoever is appointed as Jackett’s successor to decide whether Dany N’Guessan sees out the final year of his current deal with the Lions.

N’Guessan infuriated Millwall supporters when he trudged to the touchline to be replaced 14 minutes after coming on as a substitute in the 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace on April 30.

The Frenchman then went on to publicly criticise Jackett in a newspaper, a response which further alienated him from the club’s fans, many of whom are adamant he should never play for Millwall again.

However, Mr Ambler indicated this morning N’Guessan could still potentially feature next season if the next boss wants to choose him.

“I don’t think the interview he gave was flattering to Millwall Football Club,” the chief executive said.

“But having said that, Kenny has gone and Dany is contracted with us for next season.

“It will have to be the decision of a new manager as to what he wants to do with all of his players who are under contract.”

The contents of this article must not be reproduced without the permission of News Shopper.

Follow us on Twitter @NewsShopperSprt