Fulham fires Coleman

London:

Fulham fired manager Chris Coleman on Tuesday and hired Northern Ireland coach Lawrie Sanchez to take over on a part-time basis.

The former Wales defender was fired after four years in charge after Monday's 3-1 loss at home to fellow struggler Manchester City left the team only four points away from the relegation zone with five games to play.

Fulham has not won any of the last seven games it has played.

Assistant manager Steve Kean was also fired and Fulham announced that Sanchez would take charge of the team with the permission of the Northern Ireland Football Association.

"Chris Coleman has provided a fantastic service during his 10 years at the club and it is disappointing that the club has no alternative but to part company," Fulham said in a statement released on its website.

Sanchez has taken Northern Ireland to the top of its European Championship qualifying group.