Martin Jol facing the sack as Fulham hold talks following sixth successive defeat

Martin Jol’s future as Fulham manager is expected to be decided by members of the club’s board within the next 24 hours.

Borrowed time: Martin Jol looks haunted after another Fulham capitulation Photo: ACTION IMAGES

Martin Jol’s hopes of remaining in the position appeared slim last night following a sixth successive defeat, although the Dutchman said he could cope with the pressure he was under.

Fulham slumped to a 3-0 loss to fellow strugglers West Ham United, leaving them in the relegation zone and three points adrift of Cardiff City, who are one place above them. Jol’s side failed to record a single shot on target at Upton Park.

Jol said he was enduring the worst run of his managerial career. “I’ve got maybe 700, 800 or 900 games as a manager. I know three points can give you a total different view.

“If I have to to worry, I was worried a couple of months ago. It’s not for one day or the other, it’s the last few months. It is part of my job to deal with pressure. It is not that I am not used to it, but you have to keep your head cool, that is for certain.

“We’ve had over 100 points, more than West Ham over last couple of years, more than any team in bottom half.”

Asked whether he would still be in charge when Fulham face Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, Jol said: “It’s out of my hands.”
Scott Parker, Fulham’s captain at Upton Park, said the players were more culpable than Jol. He said: “The manager takes all the flak really but, ultimately, the players need to take massive responsibility.”