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Martin Jol dismissal: Rene Meulensteen faces ‘huge task’ after Fulham axe Jol

Former United coach well aware of the job awaiting him

Ed Aarons
Sunday 01 December 2013 18:45 GMT
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Rene Meulensteen has replaced Martin Jol at Fulham
Rene Meulensteen has replaced Martin Jol at Fulham

In the end, Martin Jol’s stay of execution lasted only 180 minutes. Having brought in Rene Meulensteen to help steady the Fulham ship on 13 November, American owner Shahid Khan yesterday decided that last week’s home defeat to Swansea and Saturday’s embarrassing 3-0 capitulation to fellow strugglers West Ham was the final straw.

On Sunday afternoon Khan bowed to what has appeared inevitable for some time as Jol’s compatriot and the former Manchester United first-team coach Meulensteen was installed in his place, with Fulham three points adrift of safety after more than a third of a season gone. A sixth successive defeat in all competitions finally sealed Jol’s fate as the 16th manager to be sacked this season and third in the Premier League.

“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. “Martin was very gracious and I appreciate his understanding of the situation. 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.”

Having only completed his purchase of Fulham from previous owner Mohamed Al Fayed in July, it’s not taken long for Khan to adopt the trigger-happy approach to owning a football club. With dissent growing among the club’s supporters since the end of last season, though, the Pakistan-born businessman will hope that Meulensteen is the man to ensure their 12-season stay in the top-flight is extended.

For his part, the Dutchman was magnanimous towards Jol as he gave two television interviews yesterday evening within minutes of the announcement, claiming that it had never been his intention to step into his compatriot’s shoes.

“I rang him straightaway,” Meulensteen said. “I said to Martin, ‘Listen, I don’t know if this is anything to do with me, but in the time I worked 12 years with Manchester United, and for five to six years with Sir Alex Ferguson, I had no problem, but I go to Anzhi and Guus Hiddink departs after two weeks, and Martin does the same.’ It was definitely not something I was anticipating. We wanted to turn this corner together.”

Having lasted only one season as first-team coach at Danish side Brondby in 2006-7 and then just 16 days as manager of Russian side Anzhi earlier this season, Meulensteen faces a real test of his credentials, starting with the home fixture against Tottenham on Wednesday night.

“It’s a massive challenge,” he added. “But when you’re faced with a challenge like this it comes down to making sure you get the basic things right. You need to stay mentally strong and make sure the fans are getting behind the team.We need to make sure the players are mentally strong and believe.

“I am confident because of the sort of experiences I’ve had at Manchester United. I know what is required at the top end of the Premier League. This is a different challenge with different pressure. This is about making sure you realise the need to keep three teams below you.”

The ups and downs of Rene Meulensteen

Meulensteen had three different roles during his time at Manchester United: youth coach, reserve coach and assistant manager.

The Dutchman was sacked just six months into a three-year contract as manager at Danish side Brondby in 2006 following a disastrous run up to Christmas.

He returned to United shortly after and became Sir Alex Ferguson’s No 2 alongside Mike Phelan in 2008 following the departure of Carlos Queiroz.

Meulensteen left Old Trafford with the arrival of David Moyes, and spent 16 days in charge of Anzhi Makhachkala before being sacked.

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