A sad piece in many ways. Nine years ago today Chris Coleman was sacked by the Club following a string of poor results which left us close to relegation. please log in to view this image At the time they made the following statement: "Fulham Football Club this evening announced its decision to replace Chris Coleman as Manager with immediate effect. Chris Coleman has provided a fantastic service during his ten years at the Club and it is disappointing that the Club has no alternative but to part company. As a team and organisation Fulham Football Club has goals to attain and success to achieve and by no means can this be compromised. As part of the re-structure, Steve Kean and Dave Beasant will also be replaced with immediate effect. After consultation with the Irish FA President Jim Boyce it is agreed that Lawrie Sanchez will join as Caretaker Manager for the remaining five Premiership games of the season." [Fulham withdrew the sacking of Dave Beasant in a revised statement during the night] I know the arguments about all the good signings Sanchez made, but the football played under him was truly dreadful - arguably worse even than we've seen over the last two years.
I was sad to see Coleman go. I don't really think he was given the best chance to succeed with the general reigning in of expenses after the Marlet debacle and he did pretty well. That said he did need to go and I think most managers could have kept us up that year. Appointing Sanchez as the full time appointment was a mistake, although it turned out to be an investment that delivered us Murphy and (after his removal) Roy Hodgson so I can't complain too hard!
Sanchez's good signings - and let's not forget all the not-so-good ones - was a silver lining to one of the biggest, darkest clouds in our managerial back catalogue. Thanks for Murphy, Hughes, etc, but I can't think of another Fulham manager I wouldn't prefer to see back in charge ahead of Sanchez. The worst of the worst in my opinion.
