Sky Sports News is reporting that Fulham have shortened their manager shortlist down to five names. It includes two coaches currently out of work and three in employment in the Championship, Scotland and Israel.
In addition to former Aston Villa manager, Paul Lambert, and ex-Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson, there are three individuals who would require a fee to prize them away from their current clubs. One of those is Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett, who has overseen a steady progression since moving to St Andrews from Burton Albion. The next name is Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Slavisa Jokanovic, who guided Watford to promotion from the Championship last season. Finally, Rangers coach Mark Warburton, who looks set to guide the club back into the SPL, also have experience of the Championship with Brentford.
It is believed that the Fulham hierarchy are only willing to consider candidates for the role that have a proven record in the Championship. It is fair to say that all five of those fit into that category, with three of the five earning promotion during their managerial careers.
Despite this report, Burton Albion manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who certainly has no experience of managing in the Championship, but has coached with Nottingham Forest, remains the favourite to succeed Kit Symons. Pearson is another name that is strong in the betting, but he is shorted to replace Chris Ramsey at Queens Park Rangers.
Stuart Pearce is the latest name to declare his interest in the vacancy as well. Alan Curbishley made his intentions very clear earlier this week. Hull City manager Steve Bruce was the subject of wealthy support in the days after Symons’ sacking, although those rumours appear to have significantly died down. Harry Redknapp is another name that has been gathering momentum. One thing that does seem likely is that the new man will be in place at Craven Cottage once the league resumes after the international break.
