Silkeborg sack Johansen

Winless Silkeborg IF have sacked coach Benny Johansen following a dismal run of form which has left them bottom of the Danish Superligaen. "We discussed the situation and agreed to end our cooperation with immediate effect," said Peder Kristensen, the club's managing director.

Odense defeat
The decision was taken in a meeting between the two parties after Silkeborg's 2-1 defeat by Odense BK on Sunday which left the Jutland club with three points from 15 matches. A somewhat different situation from last season under Johansen when Silkeborg finished third in the league and beat Akademisk Boldklub 4-1 in the Danish DONG Cup final in June.

Impossible mission
Silkeborg, desperately in need of financial resources, sold Danish international goalkeeper Peter Kjær to Besiktas JK, Thomas Röll to FC København and Henrik "Tømrer" Pedersen to Bolton Wanderers FC in the summer, leaving Johansen with a severe handicap for this season - and it has shown.

Bruun takes over
Johansen, appointed on 1 July, 1999, is to be replaced as coach by Morten Bruun, a former Silkeborg defender, who will be in charge until 30 June 2002.