Fulham vice-chairman wanted Tigana's contract renewed

The fulham vice chairman, Bill Muddyman, yesterday revealed that he wanted the departed manager, Jean Tigana, to stay until 2005.

Mohammed Al Fayed, the Cottagers' chairman, had offered the Frenchman a two-year contract extension – but withdrew it three weeks ago and finally removed him from his post on Thursday. Fulham hope to reveal Tigana's successor by the end of the season and until then Chris Coleman – with just six months' coaching experience since injury forced him to retire in October – is caretaker manager.

The former Welsh international's first game in charge is the visit of Newcastle United to Loftus Road today, a match which Fulham need to win after three straight defeats has left them six points above the relegation zone.

Muddyman said that he – unlike Fayed – wanted Tigana's reign to continue. "I'm very disappointed Jean's contract was not renewed – but you'll have to ask someone else about that. We're in a difficult position and I don't think any time would have been a good time to make this decision."

Coleman said a fortnight ago that he did not consider himself a worthy candidate to succeed Tigana – and Muddyman agreed. "I think Chris would agree he doesn't have the experience to have the job in the following season," he said. "The plan was that Chris would be groomed by Jean. But it's come early for him."

The Leicester City manager, Micky Adams, has played down speculation linking him with a return to Fulham to replace Tigana.

"People probably forget I've invested my own blood, sweat and tears in Leicester this season," Adams said yesterday. "For that reason I'd like to stay and I can tell fans that, if everything is sorted out satisfactorily with the board, I will be manager at the start of next season."