Sanchez shown the door by Fulham
'Ray Lewington and Billy McKinlay will be in charge while a search for a replacement takes place'
Lawrie Sanchez has been sacked by Fulham after just eight months in charge at Craven Cottage. Despite spending heavily in the summer transfer market, Sanchez and Fulham have endured a miserable season so far, with the Cottagers currently 18th in the Premier League.
Sanchez's sacking comes just a day after the man tipped as his successor, the former Fulham midfielder John Collins, resigned as manager of Hibernian. Martin Jol, who left his role as Tottenham's manager earlier this season, is also thought to have been sounded out for a return to Premier League football.
"Fulham today announced its decision to replace Lawrie Sanchez as manager with immediate effect," confirmed a club statement. "Ray Lewington and Billy McKinlay will be in charge of the team while a search for a permanent replacement takes place."
Sanchez replaced Chris Coleman as Fulham's manager in April, initially on a temporary basis, after enjoying a successful three-year spell in charge of the Northern Irish national team. Fulham were then four points from safety but finished the season a point ahead of Sheffield United, who were relegated. The 48-year-old was then handed a longer-term contract after stepping down from his duties with Northern Ireland.
Sanchez was then allowed to spend £15m on 11 players this summer, but Fulham have since won just four of 24 games, losing 12 in the process. Sanchez has also seen his side fail to win eight games from winning positions this season.
Lewington, who managed the club for four seasons until 1990 and now coaches the reserve team, will take charge for Saturday's home match against Wigan, along with McKinlay, the club's development coach.
guardian
