Fulham - in freefall since the turn of the year, have fired manager Chris Coleman in the wake of their 3-1 home defeat on Monday to Manchester City, a result that leaves them perilously close to the relegation zone and being hauled in by sides such as West Ham and Charlton who are suddenly putting a run together.

The decision was somewhat of a surprise, as although Fulham are dropping like a stone, Coleman was generally well thought of as a manager there and has alwas seemed to have the backing of the Fulham board.

However, with Premiership safety imperative this season due to the vastly increased TV deal in place for next season, the Cottagers have decided to try and light a fire under their players by this decision as they are not a team short on talent but have in all honesty underachieved for the past couple of seasons, and their struggles are not entirely unexpected.

As an interim measure, they have appointed Lawrie Sanchez as caretaker manager until the end of the season. Sanchez, currently Northern Ireland manager will not see the roles clash as there are no international games until next season. After a difficult start in charge of Northern Ireland, he has won over fans and plaudits with a renaissance in fortunes and they currently lead their qualifying group - ahead of the likes of Spain and Sweden (beating both sides recently).

Both Fulham and Northern Ireland stress it is a short-term appointment, and it is certainly a novel one that a manager would be appointed on such a short-term, fixed basis.

Still, with financial meltdown on the horizon with a drop into the Championship, Fulham have decided to act now to secure their Premiership status and then go shopping for a new man in the summer.