LAWRIE Sanchez has been sacked by Fulham, the day after John Collins quit as the Hibernian boss.The Cottagers pointed to their recent poor run of results with just 13 points from 17 games leaving them 18th in the table.

By Derek Davis

LAWRIE Sanchez has been sacked by Fulham, the day after John Collins quit as the Hibernian boss.

The Cottagers pointed to their recent poor run of results with just 13 points from 17 games leaving them 18th in the table.

A statement on the official Fulham website said: "Fulham Football Club today announced its decision to replace Lawrie Sanchez as manager of Fulham Football Club with immediate effect.

"Ray Lewington and Billy McKinlay will be in charge of the team whilst a search for a permanent replacement takes place.

"Following a run of disappointing results the club is languishing in the relegation zone of the Premier League table, and losing its Premiership status is a proposition that simply can not be contemplated at this stage in the club's on-going development.

"The club is confident that it will find the right replacement to increase its chances of remaining in the Premiership, which is of vital importance.

"The club would like to thank Lawrie for helping the club through a difficult period at the end of last season, and thank him for his service over the last eight months.''

Sanchez was appointed on a caretaker basis after the departure of Chris Coleman last season and given the job full-time in May.

Rumours have been rife since Collins surprisingly quit at Easter Road that the former Fulham and Monaco player was returning to Craven Cottage.