Fulham opt for Coleman

Fulham are set to appoint Chris Coleman as the youngest manager in the Premiership, after the former captain's sure handling of the club in a caretaker role during the closing stages of the season.

Fulham are set to appoint Chris Coleman as the youngest manager in the Premiership, after the former captain's sure handling of the club in a caretaker role during the closing stages of the season.

Coleman is discussing the fine print of his contract and the job details with Fulham officials, who should confirm his appointment in the next 48 hours, after the club decided not to proceed with interviews with the rival candidates, Klaus Toppmöller and George Burley.

Coleman's rise from a former player, whose career was cut short by a car crash, to manager has been rapid, but he was pushed towards the top by the former Fulham coach, Jean Tigana, who recommended Coleman for the post when he left the club at the beginning of last month .

Coleman will work in tandem with Steve Kean, the shrewd Scot who has stepped up from the youth academy, which plays a key part in the plans of Fulham's owner, Mohamed al Fayed, for the club.