Fulham owner Shahid Khan says he gave Martin Jol enough time to turn things around but had to sack him because results showed no signs of improving.
Jol was dismissed on Sunday and replaced by Rene Meulensteen, who takes charge of his first game when Fulham host Tottenham tonight. Jol leaves Fulham in the relegation zone following a run of five successive defeats and Khan, who will be at Craven Cottage, insists he had to act.
Writing in tonight’s matchday programme, Khan (above) said: “I wanted to give Martin and the club ample time to change the flow. I thought Martin and the players deserved as much. Unfortunately, our form continued to suffer, valuable points were lost, and signs of being able to turn our fortunes around were simply missing.
“With great disappointment, I spoke to Martin on Sunday and informed him that the time had arrived to make a change. Martin accepted the news with class and dignity. I was not surprised in the least — he is a good man.”
Meulensteen was initially appointed to work alongside Jol and Khan admits he is asking “a lot more” of the new boss by giving him “responsibility of the first team”.
Khan said: “Rene’s credentials are impressive. I am delighted he has accepted responsibility of correcting our course.”
The full interview with Khan is in tonight’s match programme, on sale at Craven Cottage.
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