Lennie to shake up the team in bid to save his job

Last updated : 17 September 2004 By Michael Morris
Lennie looks to make several changes to the starting line up for tomorrow's clash against Derby at Ninian Park. Favourites for the chop from the team are Tony Warner, Robert Page, John Robinson and without doubt Andy Campbell.

Margetson, Barker, Parry and Thorne are all expected to start.

With chanting at last Tuesdays game from the fans wanting Lennie out, backed up unanimous internet and text polls demanding the same thing then Lawrence must realise another defeat will almost certainly be the end.

The Echo today have announced the results of their lastet poll with over 60% saying he should be gone already.

There has been a show of togetherness from the players this week with the squad accepting the blame for the performances they are putting in. They held a meeting betwen themselves after the Watford game and then went out together on Thursday afternoon after training. I still feel that from the comments of the players they are not playing to their full potential and ultimately not playing for the manager.

Terry Burton has joined as Lennie's No'2 and he's insistent he is the No'2 and does not want to be the manager. He thinks between them they can sort it out.

Already Burton has taken training and the players have noticed a difference.

"It was nice just to hear a new voice and to listen to some fresh ideas," said Graham Kavanagh.

"Terry has come in and he certainly stamped his authority. He does the things he wants to do."

The full interview with Graham Kavanagh can be found here.

"All the critisism of Lennie Lawrence is due to us and the lads feel really bad about that", Lee Bullock told the Echo

"He is in a tough situation and under pressure because of our performances," said Kavanagh. "It's up to us to put it right".

Derby boss George Burley knows what it's like to be under so much pressure. His side spent most of last season in the bottom 3 before pulling away to safety. He believes Cardiff will sort themselves out and soon.

"I'm surprised Cardiff are second from bottom, but they'll finish in the top half of the Coca Cola Championship," said Burley. "They still have a good squad and they will be desperate for a result tomorrow."

With Tuesday's crown under 11,000 and the last three home games all being defeats then a similar crowd at best is expected to tomorrow's game.

City face three away trips after tomorrows match, MK Dons in the cup, then Wolves and Burnley. Points will not be easy to come across. The next game at Ninian Park after the Derby game is on October 2nd v Leeds Utd.

I personally think that this has to be Lawrences last chance. He did well to survive after Tuesdays defeat, I cannot see the fans having any patience at all if we fail again tomorrow.