Fulham expected to name Coleman as boss

Fulham have called a press conference for 2 p.m

Fulham have called a press conference for 2 p.m. this afternoon when it is expected they will hand caretaker boss Chris Coleman the chance to be the club's permanent successor to Jean Tigana.

Coleman, who at 32 would become the youngest manager in the Premiership, appears to have won over chairman Mohamed al Fayed by steering Fulham to Premiership safety with three wins and a draw in his five matches in charge.

Former Ipswich manager George Burley and and former Bayer Leverkusen coach Klaus Toppmoller were also considered but al Fayed seems to have opted to gamble on the inexperienced Coleman.

Coleman's first task would be to try to persuade the club's top stars to stay. Steve Marlet's future is uncertain and Steve Finnan and Steed Malbranque have been linked with Liverpool.