Matt Lawrence is surprised that it took his former club Millwall as long as it did to sack Ian Holloway.

The ex-Queens Park Rangers and Blackpool manager was dismissed on Tuesday with the Lions 23rd in the Championship and eight points from safety.

Lawrence, who made 263 appearances for Millwall between 2000 and 2006, felt that there was no way back for Holloway once he lost the backing of the Den faithful.

"I think everybody knew this was coming. Most people are surprised it has taken this long," he told BBC London 94.9"The fans completely turned and the minute you lose the fans your time is up and it is time to move on."

"I initially thought Ian Holloway would be a wonderful fit for Millwall, but things haven't worked out for whatever reason," added Lawrence. "Hopefully now everyone can move on and try and drag Millwall out of the terrible situation they are in."

Lawrence's one-time teammate Neil Harris has been put in caretaker charge of Millwall, with his first game away to Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.