Joining the legion of ex-Fulham players who have begun their managerial careers recently, is a rather surprising choice.  Darren Freeman, our shaggy-haired forward in the Division Three promotion year, was the subject of frequent jokes about his (lack of) intelligence in Simon Morgan’s programme notes. He was a bit of a fans’ favourite but you didn’t get the impression he thought deeply about the game.

Well, think again. Freeman will be the joint manager of Whitehawk next season with George Parris, under whom he has been coach at the club.

Vice-chairman Peter McDonnell thinks Freeman’s role will be focussed on the physical side of the game.

Where we want to go we need to get experienced people on board and they will do very well together.

They will work as joint managers. Darren won’t be George’s assistant.

Darren is a good bloke with a good pedigree. He is very good on the physical side and remains very fit himself. George is a very good coach and a bit more technical. Together they will make a great team.

Freeman joined Fulham for £15,000 from Gillingham in July 1996. He scored 10 goals in 51 appearances before moving with ex-manager Micky Adams to Brentford on a free transfer in 1998.