Fulham chief goes as Steed fears increase

Coleman and Hone are believed to have fallen out recently, triggering a chain of events that led to the chief executive's departure yesterday. With the transfer window having just opened, Hone would have been expected to play a key part in transfer deals over the next few weeks.

Hone, who arrived from Rangers in December 2003, will be replaced temporarily by current board member Mark Collins, who will fulfil the position on a part-time basis until a permanent successor is found. Hone can, though, look back on his tenure at Fulham with a sense of achievement: his time coincided with the club's highest ever league finish - ninth in the Premiership last season - and the return to Craven Cottage, combined with improved financial performance.

Meanwhile, Coleman will be more concerned with on-the-field matters, namely tonight's crucial relegation clash at St Mary's against Southampton.

Fulham travel south in buoyant mood following Saturday's victory over Crystal Palace and another win would open up a 10-point gap between them and Southampton, who remain embroiled in the relegation zone. However, Saints manager Harry Redknapp is likely to include new faces in both midfield and defence. The manager's son, Jamie, will make his Southampton debut after yesterday signing from Spurs until the end of the season, while Calum Davenport, another recruit from White Hart Lane, should also make his first start after agreeing a loan deal.

Coleman could give Lee Clark, who made an appearance as a second- half substitute against Palace, his first start since March last year.

However, Sylvain Legwinski is still suffering from flu and is not expected to travel, while long-term absentees Alain Goma and Claus Jensen remain sidelined through injury.