Fulham’s search for a new manager is gathering pace following Marco Silva’s departure to Benfica, bringing an end to one of the most successful periods in the club’s recent history.
The Portuguese coach transformed Fulham’s fortunes during his time in west London, guiding the club back to the Premier League and then firmly establishing them as a competitive top-flight side.
Under his leadership, Fulham regularly exceeded expectations and earned widespread praise for their attractive style of football, despite operating on a shoe-string budget.
It therefore came as little surprise when Benfica moved to bring him back to Portugal.
While Fulham supporters will be disappointed to lose a manager who achieved so much, especially given Silva U-turn after initially agreeing to remain, attention has already shifted towards finding the right successor.
Several names have been linked with the vacancy since Silva’s departure was confirmed.
One of the most notable was Kieran McKenna.
The former Ipswich Town boss had been mentioned as a potential candidate for several managerial vacancies across English football, including Fulham and Crystal Palace.
Given his reputation for developing players and implementing an attractive style of football, many felt he would have been a natural fit at Craven Cottage.
McKenna’s remarkable work at Portman Road only strengthened those links.
After guiding Ipswich from League One into the Premier League and establishing himself as one of the most highly-rated young coaches in the country, it was inevitable that clubs would show interest once he became available.
McKenna resigned from his post at Ipswich earlier this week, but it is believed he’s still unlikely to join Fulham as the Englishman wishes to take a break from football.
However, Fulham’s search appears to have moved in a different direction.
Rather than focusing solely on established Premier League names, the club have widened their net as they assess a range of candidates capable of building on the foundations left behind by Silva, including a surprise name.
Fulham hold talks with Alvaro Arbeloa
According to David Ornstein, Fulham have held talks with former Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa regarding the vacant head coach position.
The 43-year-old is currently available after leaving Real Madrid and has reportedly met with Fulham representatives to discuss the possibility of taking charge at Craven Cottage.
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It is certainly an intriguing development.
While Arbeloa is best known to many football fans for his playing career, he has steadily built a strong reputation as a coach in Spain.
During his time within Real Madrid’s academy structure, he received praise for his work with younger players and his ability to develop talent within one of football’s most demanding environments.
That experience could appeal to Fulham.
There is also an element of ambition to the move.
Appointing a manager with strong connections to Real Madrid would represent a bold decision and suggest Fulham are willing to think creatively as they plan for the future.
Of course, there would be questions.
Arbeloa has yet to manage at senior Premier League level and stepping into Silva’s shoes would be a major challenge.
However, every successful appointment starts somewhere.
Fulham’s hierarchy clearly believe Arbeloa is worthy of serious consideration, otherwise talks would never have progressed this far.
Whether those discussions eventually lead to an agreement remains to be seen.
But with McKenna no longer appearing to be the leading contender and Fulham now holding talks with Arbeloa, the race to become the club’s next manager has taken an interesting new turn.
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