LAST Saturday at The Den it was 2-0 to Reading; from today it will be Bravo Two Zero. Having replaced their manager, Millwall will announce this morning that they have signed the SAS.

The present squad could not be described as a crack unit of highly organised men skilled at achieving victories, but perhaps that will change. The not-sosecret mission that awaits the Millwall players: Coca-Cola Championship survival.

“British military fitness people, all ex-SAS and Marines, they are an incredible secret weapon,” Peter de Savary, the chairman, said. “They achieve amazing fitness, speed, stamina, endurance, but more importantly, terrific team bonding and leadership qualities.”

De Savary, a multimillionaire, took over as chairman last month. His colourful business career suggests that he is an enthusiastic subscriber to the notion that who dares wins. “I need these guys to help me to build the players as a cohesive fighting unit that will win,” he said.

Team bonding was said to be lacking under Colin Lee, who was moved to the role of director of football yesterday after fewer than five months in charge. David Tuttle, his assistant, replaces him on a caretaker basis and, at 33, will be the Championship’s youngest manager. His first match will be the Boxing Day match away to Leicester City. Millwall are bottom of the Championship.

“It’s very simple,” De Savary said. “We have four vital games coming up, culminating in the FA Cup game versus Everton on January 7. It is crucial that we get points to ensure that we can stay up, and crucial we win the FA Cup game. I feel very confident about appointing David Tuttle, who is a Millwall man through and through, as our caretaker manager.”

The squad was informed of the decision to alter the management structure at their Christmas party on Tuesday.“I will review things in the new year,” De Savary said. “We are securing the services of the key players. We have targets and will be active in the transfer window.” Millwall are rumoured to be looking at Jonatan Johansson, the Charlton Athletic forward.

George Graham, the former Arsenal manager, who was in charge at Millwall in the 1980s, has denied that he has been offered a consultancy role.