Lawrie Sanchez leaves Fulham

Fulham boss Lawrie Sanchez has been sacked as manager of Fulham Football Club after a disastrous start to the season. It appears Mohammed al Fayed has decided there needs to be a fresh change of managerial duties into the new year, and the search for Fulham's new boss commences. Ray Lewington and Billy McKinlay are taking charge on a temporary basis.

Sanchez was named as caretaker manager of Fulham following the sacking of Chris Coleman in April 2007 and after the Welshman's departure Sanchez was brought up to head coach role.

However, in charge of 24 games Sanchez only managed to muster up four victories for the Cottagers, and his future now appears to lie elsewhere.

A club statement read on the official website: "Fulham Football Club today announced its decision to replace Lawrie Sanchez as Manager of Fulham Football Club with immediate effect. Ray Lewington and Billy McKinlay will be in charge of the team whilst a search for a permanent replacement takes place.

"The Club would like to thank Lawrie for helping the Club through a difficult period at the end of last season, and thank him for his service over the last eight months."