Leave Jean alone

13 April 2012

Fulham midfielder Sean Davis urged a sense of perspective as the club rushed to the defence of manager Jean Tigana last night.

A Fulham spokesman, responding to reports that Ruud Gullit had been lined up to replace Tigana, said: 'These rumours are complete and utter rubbish. The chairman fully backs Jean Tigana and there is no interest in any other manager in the world.

'We believe this is part of a long-running dirty tricks campaign devised to unsettle the players and manager at a crucial time of the season.'

Although Steed Malbranque's winner sank outofsorts Leeds on Saturday, Fulham owner Mohamed Fayed was said to be dismayed at his expensive team's lack of impact on the Premiership - despite reaching the FA Cup semi-finals.

But as Fulham seek a win over Bolton tomorrow to ensure first-season survival, Davis mounted a vigorous defence of Tigana's regime.

He said: 'The main thing this season was to stay up - we've come a long way in a few years since I joined the club in the Third Division.

'We've taken a big step. Yes, the gaffer has spent a lot of money and hopefully we've given ourselves a platform for it to all gel and come together next season.

'We've dominated games this season. But that doesn't get you the three points - scoring goals does and that's where we've been lacking. You've got to take your chances. We must keep it simple like we did against Leeds - score and keep a clean sheet. We all worked our socks off for that today.'

None more than Steve Finnan, the Republic of Ireland right back who has caught Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson's eye among others as Fulham's most consistent player this season. As impatient Fayed ponders on the return for his investment, Finnan said: 'Money doesn't always buy you success and bigspending teams have gone back down before. It's flattering to be linked with Manchester United but big things are going to happen at Fulham and I want to be part of that.'

Leeds' fifth home defeat in four months wrecked manager David O'Leary's outside hopes of a Champions League place and underlined the immense value of injured 16-goal strike leader Mark Viduka to next season's campaign.

O'Leary - who must sell players this summer - will hope his board can resist the £20million offers set to arrive for the Australian from Roma and Deportivo La Coruna. Fans who are already resigned to Olivier Dacourt's move to Lazio now fear they may also have seen the last of Viduka if the ankle he damaged in training rules him out of Leeds' last two games.

O'Leary said: 'The fact that Mark's injured from a silly challenge in a five-a- side sums up a season I'll be glad to see the back of.'

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