BLUES midfielder Sylvain Legwinski has backed Fulham's decision to sack Chris Coleman and feels he should have been axed a lot sooner.The former Fulham captain joined Ipswich in August after settling his contract with the Cottagers following a falling-out with Coleman.

By Derek Davis

BLUES midfielder Sylvain Legwinski has backed Fulham's decision to sack Chris Coleman and feels he should have been axed a lot sooner.

The former Fulham captain joined Ipswich in August after settling his contract with the Cottagers following a falling-out with Coleman.

He is not surprised that the London side are now hovering just above the drop zone and blames the former Welsh defender for the demise.

Legwinski said: “Sacking Coleman was the best thing that could have happened to Fulham.

“The only question is about the timing because it should have happened much earlier. It should have been done two years ago. I hope it is not too late.”

The former Monaco midfielder was taken to Craven Cottage by Jean Tigana, who was then replaced by Coleman, who captained the club before a serious car crash ended his playing career. Legwinski, who is out injured for the rest of the season, said: “Fulham have gone backwards under him. This season was the first where it could be truly called his team as there was no one left from the Jean Tigana era.

“They are doing badly and it is sad to see where they are now, but in truth Fulham were lucky not to be in the relegation zone for the last two years and that is because of Coleman.

“It took him two years to realise how physical preparation in pre-season is vital in the Premiership.

“The work was different when Tigana was in charge. It was more intense - but under Coleman the training sessions were shorter, he did not work us as hard and we were given more days off.”

Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez worked with the Fulham squad for the first time ahead of Saturday's trip to Reading, where he will look to arrest a seven-match winless run.

The club announced he will be assisted by former Charlton head coach Les Reed, who helped mastermind Northern Ireland's victory over England during the World Cup qualifiers at Windsor Park in September 2005.

Fellow ex-Wimbledon players Terry Gibson and Dave Beasant, who worked under Coleman, will also be part of the backroom staff.