BIGGER
BRIGHTER
the first choice to replace Jokanovic at Craven Cottage.
Former Arsenal boss Wenger and Portuguese coach Jardim, who was sacked by Monaco last month, were both approached but rejected Fulham’s offer.
It is understood that neither man fancied a relegation battle and have their sights set on a bigger job.
Ranieri has been out of work since he left French club Nantes at the end of last season but was eager to return to football.
He watched Leicester and Chelsea at the weekend, two of Fulham’s next three opponents, and will take charge for the visit of Southampton a week on Saturday.
Ironically, Jokanovic was the first signing Ranieri made as Chelsea boss in 2000 and all his top-flight appearances as a player came under the man who now succeeds him.
Jokanovic was sacked after a run of six straight league defeats sent newly-promoted Fulham plummeting to the foot of the table. But while the axe only fell yesterday, it is understood the Cottagers made the decision to fire him shortly after the 1-0 defeat at Huddersfield on November 5.
Trouble had been brewing for some time, with the board concerned at the constant changes being made to the team.
Jokanovic was unhappy with the club’s recruitment over the summer.
Despite Fulham’s £100m outlay on new signings, he ended up with players he did not want.
The Serb was informed of the decision to sack him by Khan over the phone, an hour or so before Ranieri’s appointment was announced, but he leaves with “no bitterness”.
Ranieri said: “The objective at Fulham should never be to merely survive in the Premier League.
“We must at all times be a difficult opponent and should expect to succeed.
“This Fulham squad has exceptional talent that is contrary to its position in the table.”