Fulham wield axe on ‘risk-free’ Ranieri

FULHAM have sacked Claudio Ranieri just three months, and only 17 games, into what was declared a “multi-year” contract and put assistant Scott Parker in caretaker charge.

The ignominious end of the Italian’s unloved reign came following the 2-0 defeat at Southampton – who took themselves out of the Premier League’s bottom three – but left Fulham 10 points adrift of safety with just 10 games to go.

During the match at St Mary’s, visiting fans directed their anger at Ranieri and the club’s vice chairman and director of football operations, Tony Khan – the son of owner Shahid Khan – who was present.

A banner was unfurled containing the words: “Risk free? Are you watching Tony Khan?” That was in reference to a comment made when Ranieri was appointed to succeed Slavisa Jokanovic after he was sacked in November.

Shahid Khan called bringing in Ranieri “risk-free” even though he was not Fulham’s first choice.

They were turned down by candidates including Arsene Wenger, Leonardo Jardim and Andre-Villas Boas.

The length of the 67-year-old’s was not specified, just described as “multi-year”, but is believed to have been for two years.

“Following our discussion this afternoon, Claudio Ranieri agreed to my decision that a change was in the best interest of everyone,” Tony Khan said.

“No surprise to me, Claudio was the perfect gentleman, as always.

“He leaves as our friend and he will undoubtedly experience success again soon.

“I am asking Scott Parker to serve as our caretaker manager.

“Scott’s immediate assignment is merely to help us stabilise, grow and rediscover ourselves as a football club.” (© Daily Telegraph, London)