Fulham have fired Jean Tigana following three consecutive defeats and replaced the French manager, who was set to leave the club at the end of the season, with former captain Chris Coleman on a caretaker basis.
Tigana, who guided the Whites back to the top flight in a sensational first season at Craven Cottage in 2000-01, was told by Fulham chairman Mohamed Al-Fayed last month that his contract, which was due to expire at the end of this summer, would not be renewed. The former Monaco manager has been locked in a power struggle with the Cottagers since former Italy defender Franco Baresi was appointed as a sporting director last summer – and has been dismissed this evening. Fulham are fifteenth in the table – six points clear of West Ham United, who currently occupy the third relegation spot.
Coleman, who was forced to retire last summer having badly injured his leg in a car crash on New Year’s Day in 2001, had recently joined Fulham’s coaching set up and told The Guardian a fortnight ago that he had no interest in succeeding Tigana. He will take charge of Saturday’s fixture against Newcastle United at Queens Park Rangers and will be assisted by academy director Steve Kean.
An official Fulham statement reads as follows:
“Since the announcement that Jean’s contract would not be renewed next season, the club have suffered a number of significant defeats and it has been decided that a change in management is necessary to enable the players’ to focus their attentions on the task ahead and to secure the club’s safety in the Premiership, by achieving the maximum number of points possible from the remaining games.
Although Jean and his team were firmly committed to keeping the club at the highest level, it became clear that the announcement of his departure had caused a feeling of unrest within the squad. It was important that the team spirit was restored as quickly as possible and the club believe that Chris Coleman is the man best equipped to do this in the short term.”
Al-Fayed added:
“It has been a difficult time for us over recent months and the season has not ended the way that I would have liked. However, the most important thing is that we ensure a successful conclusion and look forward to next season in the Premiership.”
Coleman struck a confident note in his first comments as a manager.
“We have enough quality in the Fulham squad to enable us to stay in the Premiership and the foundations are in place for us to build and come back stronger next season.”
Coleman’s first game against Newcastle is followed by trips to Leeds United and Chelsea, before another Loftus Road fixture against Everton. Fulham’s season will end with a visit to the Valley to face Charlton Athletic.
