Struggling Fulham dismiss manager Jol
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Article summary
Following a run of six straight defeats, Fulham FC have parted company with manager Martin Jol, with compatriot Rene Meulensteen assuming responsibility for first-team affairs.
Article top media content
Article body
Fulham FC have reacted to a run of six consecutive defeats in all competitions by sacking manager Martin Jol and appointing Rene Meulensteen in his stead.
Jol, who had been in charge of the west London team since June 2011, has paid the price for a run of losses which has left the Cottagers in 18th position in the Premier League, three points from safety. Fulham were beaten 3-0 by West Ham United FC on Saturday.
The experienced Meulensteen – whose career includes spells as assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United FC and, more recently, as coach of FC Anji Makhachkala – was drafted in to work alongside Jol last month.
However, Jol's compatriot now faces the task of hauling Fulham to safety on his own, starting with a difficult home game against Jol's previous English employers, Tottenham Hotspur FC, on Wednesday.
Fulham chairman Shahid Khan said in a club statement: "Today I spoke with Martin to thank him for his efforts on behalf of Fulham Football Club over the past three seasons and, in particular, since my becoming chairman earlier this year.
"Martin was very gracious and I appreciate his understanding of the situation. There is no question Martin is an excellent football man and he has my utmost respect for the commitment he made to our club."
