Fulham midfielder John Collins has welcomed the appointment of legendary Italian defender Franco Baresi as the club’s new director of football.
The news that Baresi would be leaving his position as vice-president of AC Milan to take up a new role at Fulham prompted rumours about the future of current head coach Jean Tigana, whose contract with the Cottagers expires next summer. But the endorsement of Collins, a key confidant of the former Monaco manager, suggests that Tigana – a popular figure amongst the Fulham fanbase having delivered a return to top flight after 38 years in the footballing wilderness – is going nowhere.
Former Scottish international Collins said:
“It’s great news. Franco Baresi has a wealth of experience of playing at the top level, and it’s wonderful news. He has a terrific knowledge of European football. With Mr. Al-Fayed, nothing should surprise anybody. Franco will be looking out for the best talent available, and the chairman is always looking to improve the club.”
