Martin Jol dismissal: Jol has been sacked and is replaced by Rene Meulensteen
Meulensteen will take over 'with immediate effect'
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Martin Jol has been sacked as Fulham manager, with recently appointed first-team coach Rene Meulensteen taking over 'with immediate effect'.
Fulham are in 18th place and in the relegation zone following a 3-0 loss to West Ham on Saturday, having earned just 10 points from 13 games.
The club said in a statement on Sunday that owner and chairman Shahid Khan, who bought the team this year, made the decision to part ways with Jol, and said Jol's compatriot Meulensteen will be will be in charge for the first time against Tottenham on Wednesday.
"Our poor form and results this season are undeniable, and Fulham supporters deserve better," Khan said. "With more than half the season still ahead, an immediate change was necessary."
Jol took over Fulham in 2011, having previously managed Tottenham for three seasons in the Premier League before being sacked in October 2007. He has also coached Bundesliga club Hamburger SV and Dutch team Ajax.
The Dutchman failed to rejuvenate Fulham, however, after taking over from Mark Hughes. The team finished ninth in the Premier League in his first season in charge, but was 12th in the last campaign and has won just three games so far this season.
"It was a privilege to manage Fulham, one of the great clubs in the Premier League or anywhere in the world," Jol said in Fulham's statement. "I am disappointed in this season but know there are better days ahead for Fulham and its supporters. I will always treasure my experience here and want to thank Mr. Khan and everyone at Fulham for the opportunity."
Meulensteen was hired as first-team coach in November, having previously worked under Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.
"I appreciate the faith Mr. Khan has put in me and will do my very best to honor his trust," Meulensteen said. "We aim to get Fulham back on track, starting Wednesday night."
Factfile: Martin Jol's time at Fulham
Appointed: 7 June 2011
Matches: 113, Won: 38, Drawn: 28, Lost: 47, Win %: 44.90
First match: Fulham 3-0 NSÍ Runavík (30/6/2011)
2011-2012 league position: 9th, 52 points, 12 points from Europa League qualification
2012-2013 league position: 12th, 43 points.
Final match: West Ham 3-0 Fulham - Not a single shot on target for Fulham, Saturday 30/11/13
Biggest win: Fulham 6-0 QPR 2/10/11
Worst result: Fulham 5-0 Manchester United 21/12/11
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