Fulham close to extending Coleman contract
Fulham hope to be able to put the finishing touches to new contracts for manager Chris Coleman and his assistant Steve Kean before their final Premiership match of the season against Bolton on Saturday.
Few expected the Cottagers to be in the top half of the table come the final game of the season after former Wales centre-back Coleman was handed the manager’s job full-time last summer after a caretaker stint in charge following Jean Tigana’s departure.
At 33, he is the youngest boss in the top flight and has done a remarkable job in management after a car crash broke his leg and finished his playing career.
Fulham recorded a famous 3-1 win at Old Trafford in October to signal their intentions and Coleman has since pushed his side to the brink of UEFA Cup qualification.
Europe may now no longer be on the agenda, but the Cottagers are, nevertheless, on the verge of having their best season in the top flight since winning promotion in 2001.
Victory at the Reebok Stadium could see Fulham finish eighth and the club are keen to secure the long-term services of their manager, who is currently on a one-year rolling contract.
Coleman claimed last week he was “99%” certain to sign a new deal, but also maintained suitable terms for assistant Kean must also be on the table.
“The lads have taken to him and we are very much a partnership – it is both of us or neither,” said Coleman ahead of the Arsenal match last Sunday.
Talks have continued, and a Fulham spokesman confirmed today that the club expected to be able to make an announcement by the end of the week.
Chairman Mohammed Al Fayed is well aware of the part played by his management team in Fulham’s relative success this season.
Speaking in the match programme for the Arsenal game, the Harrod’s supremo said: “I made the decision to appoint Chris as the leader against the odds and with an avalanche of criticism. In return, Chris has never let me down, proving my aspiration and trust.
“Steve and Chris have done an impeccable job in sometimes testing circumstances and our success this season is a testament to their tireless work.”
Fayed claimed the club would not rest on their laurels as they look forward to their return to Craven Cottage next season.
“The summer months will undoubtedly see the usual flurry of transfer activity and I have already been in discussions with Chris and our chief executive, Jim Hone, regarding investment in the squad during the close season,” added Fayed, who reluctantly sold striker Louis Saha to Manchester United in January.
“Now it is vital that we build on the great work undertaken this season to ensure continued progress.”
