London – Premier League strugglers Fulham have sacked manager Martin Jol, the club announced Sunday.
The London side have won just three out of 13 league games under the Dutchman this season, with only Sunderland and Crystal Palace below them in the table.
Fulham said former Manchester United assistant manager Rene Meulensteen, who only recently arrived at Craven Cottage as a coach to work under Jol, would assume responsibility for the first team with "immediate effect".
Saturday's 3-0 loss away to London rivals West Ham was Fulham's sixth consecutive defeat and chairman Shahid Khan said "supporters deserve better" than to see the club in the relegation zone.
"Today I spoke with Martin to thank him for his efforts on behalf of Fulham Football Club over the past three seasons and, in particular, since my becoming chairman earlier this year," Khan said in a statement on Fulham's website.
"Martin was very gracious and I appreciate his understanding of the situation. There is no question Martin is an excellent football man and he has my utmost respect for the commitment he made to our club," Khan said of the former Tottenham manager.
"However, our poor form and results this season are undeniable, and Fulham supporters deserve better. With more than half the season still ahead, an immediate change was necessary." – Sapa-AFP