Fulham’s search for a new manager has accelerated following Marco Silva’s move to Benfica, ending one of the most successful periods in the club’s recent history.
Silva’s departure leaves a huge hole at Craven Cottage.
The Portuguese manager changed Fulham’s fortunes during his time in west London, taking the club back to the Premier League and cementing their place as a competitive top team.
Under his leadership, Fulham regularly exceeded expectations and won widespread praise for their appealing style of football, despite operating on a limited budget.
So it was little surprise that Benfica moved to bring him back to Portugal.
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Fulham supporters will be disappointed to lose their prolific manager, especially given Silva’s U-turn after originally agreeing to stay, but attention has already turned to finding a suitable successor.
Since Silva’s departure was confirmed, multiple names have been linked to the vacant position.
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Most notable was Kieran McKenna.
The former Ipswich Town manager has been named as a candidate for several managerial posts in English football, including Fulham and Crystal Palace.
Given his reputation for developing players and practicing an attractive style of football, many felt he would be a natural fit at Craven Cottage.
McKenna’s great work at Portman Road only strengthened that connection.
After leading Ipswich from League One to the Premier League and establishing himself as one of the most highly regarded young managers in the country, it was inevitable that clubs would be interested if he became available.
McKenna resigned from his post at Ipswich earlier this week, but it is still thought unlikely that he will join Fulham as the Englishman seeks a break from football.
However, Fulham’s search appears to be heading in a different direction.
Rather than focusing solely on established names in the Premier League, the club widened its net in assessing a wide range of candidates who could build on the foundations left behind by Silva, including some surprising names.
Fulham meet with manager Alvaro Arbeloa
Fulham have held talks with former Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa for the vacant head coaching position, according to David Ornstein.
The 43-year-old currently has a vacant position following his departure from Real Madrid, and it is reported that he has met with Fulham representatives to discuss the possibility of taking over as manager at Craven Cottage.
It’s certainly an interesting development.
Although Arbeloa is best known to many soccer fans for his playing career, he has also steadily built a strong reputation as a coach in Spain.
During his time in Real Madrid’s academy structure, he was praised for his work with young players and his ability to develop talent in one of the most demanding environments in football.
That experience could appeal to Fulham.
There is also an element of ambition in this move.
Appointing a manager with strong links to Real Madrid represents a bold move and suggests Fulham are willing to think creatively when planning their future.
Of course, there will be questions.
Arbeloa has yet to manage at the top level of the Premier League and stepping into Silva’s shoes will be a huge challenge.
However, a successful plan always starts somewhere.
Fulham bosses clearly believe that Arbeloa is worth serious consideration, otherwise negotiations would never have progressed this far.
It remains to be seen whether these discussions will ultimately lead to an agreement.
However, the race for the club’s next manager has taken an interesting new phase, as McKenna appears to no longer be the frontrunner and Fulham are currently in talks with Arbelois.
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