Fulham sack Meulensteen & name Magath first team manager

Goal.com – LONDON, In a statement which makes no mention of the Dutchman, the Cottagers revealed they have hired the experienced German as his replacement on an 18-month contract Fulham have confirmed they have appointed Felix Magath first team manager on an 18-month contract, while Rene Meulensteen has revealed he has been sacked.

In a statement which made no mention of the Dutchman, the Cottagers revealed they have added the experienced German to their unique management structure.

Shortly afterwards Meulensteen confirmed he had been sacked, telling BBC Radio 5live: “I knew the owners were freaking out a bit that Fulham could be relegated. They’ve hit the panic button.”

“I am very happy to welcome Felix Magath to Fulham Football Club,” owner Shahid Khan told the club’s official website.

“Felix is an accomplished manager with multiple honours in the Bundesliga and a hunger to replicate his success with Fulham in the Barclays Premier League.

“I’m especially impressed with the reputation Felix has for coming into clubs at difficult times, often late in the season, and lifting them to their potential and beyond.

“Felix knows that is precisely the task awaiting him at Fulham, and he made it abundantly clear that he wants and is ready for the opportunity.

“Our club has shown promise in recent matches, but the fact is we have not won a league match since January 1. Given our form, we can no longer merely hope that our fortunes will finally turn.

“And with 12 matches remaining and at least four points separating us from safety, we certainly can no longer post empty results. Action was required.

“Alistair Mackintosh did a wonderful job during the January transfer window to improve our club.

“This week, Alistair recommended Felix, with his history of producing results for Clubs with similar challenges as ours, as the new manager of Fulham.

“Alistair’s recommendation received my complete approval and Felix has my unequivocal support.”

Fulham CEO Mackintosh added: “The opportunity to bring in a manager with the experience of Felix Magath would typically be unlikely at this point in the season.

“However, Felix relishes this challenge. He is very impressed with our squad and commitment by Mr. Khan, and his confidence is precisely what we need over these final three months of the season.

“I thank Mr. Khan for his support and we are all looking forward to welcoming Felix to Fulham.”