Fulham turn to Sanchez after axing Coleman

Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez has been handed the reins at relegation-threatened Fulham and will make his Premiership managerial bow at Reading this weekend after the axe fell on Chris Coleman.

Coleman's four-year reign was brought to an end after a seven-match winless run saw the Cottagers fall to within four points of the Premiership's dreaded bottom three.

Indeed, following Easter Monday's 3-1 defeat at home to Manchester City, which came hot on the heels of their 4-1 mauling at Everton on Good Friday, there were calls from the Craven Cottage faithful for the former Wales defender's head.

Fulham, who have become embroiled in the end-of-season relegation dogfight, said: "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."

Sanchez has transformed the fortunes of Northern Ireland during his three years in charge to date, guiding them to shock wins over the likes of Spain, Sweden and most famously England at Windsor Park in September 2005.

And having taken Northern Ireland, who have failed to qualify for a major finals since the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, to the top of Group F in their bid to qualify for Euro 2008, Fulham will be hoping Sanchez can keep them in the top flight.

The Irish FA are keen to tie the former Wycombe Wanderers boss down to a new contract - his present deal expires at the end of Northern Ireland's Euro 2008 campaign.

Irish FA chief executive Howard Wells is confident the Fulham caretaker boss will see out the rest of the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

Wells said: "He has given a commitment to me with regards to seeing out his contract with Northern Ireland.

"Fulham have also given a commitment to me this is an appointment for the remaining five matches until the end of the season."

Northern Ireland do not play another qualifier until August when Liechtenstein are scheduled to visit Windsor Park.

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