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Fulham have sacked manager Chris Coleman and his assistant Steve Kean with immediate effect. Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez will take over on a caretaker basis for the remainder of the season. The Cottagers lie four points above the Premiership drop zone after a seven-game winless streak, but the sacking still comes as a surprise. Fulham issued a statement thanking Coleman for his "fantastic service during his 10 years at the club". "It is disappointing that the club has no alternative but to part company [with Coleman]," the statement continued. "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 restructure, Steve Kean 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." Coleman joined Fulham as a player in 1997 in a £2m move from Blackburn, but injuries suffered in a car crash in 2001 led to his retirement less then two years later. He took over as manager in April 2003 following the departure of Jean Tigana. Sanchez has led Northern Ireland to the top of their European Championships qualifying group with victories over Spain and Sweden. He also oversaw a famous 1-0 win over England in the last World Cup qualifying competition.
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