Fulham are preparing a drastic managerial change in the next few weeks – moving Roy Hodgson into a director of football role and drafting in former midfielder John Collins as their new manager, according to a report in the Times this morning.
The west London club are preparing to make the switch by speaking to Collins in the next few weeks as Hodgson has not been able to spark the sort of revival required to keep the Whites in the top flight. Fulham officials were unnerved by the adverse reaction of the home fans following last weekend’s 3-1 defeat by Sunderland and believe that appointing Collins, a firm favourite during his playing days at Craven Cottage, would boost season ticket sales.
Collins left Hibernian under a cloud shortly before Fulham sacked Lawrie Sanchez and was the club’s second choice to take on the permanent manager’s job. He was widely considered to have done an excellent job in trying circumstances at Easter Road, winning the League Cup, and Fulham are not concerned by reports of dressing room unrest being his time in charge. They hope that Collins can reinvigorate the Motspur Park set up and have Fulham back in the top flight within twelve months.
Fulham have been impressed with Hodgson’s organisational work behind the scenes and recognise that he took over a thankless task. They want to use his experience to guide Collins in his managerial duties as well as reorganise the club’s footballing structure – but believe his tactical approach may not be suited to success in the Championship.
