Symons holds ‘positive’ talks with owners

Kit Symons says he has held “positive and very upbeat” talks with Fulham’s owners as he looks to secure the manager’s job at Craven Cottage on a permanent basis.

Chairman Shahid Khan is considering a number of possible candidates and his right-hand man Mark Lamping flew to London from the United States to speak to Symons before watching the Capital One Cup third-round win against Doncaster.

It was Fulham’s first victory since Symons was placed in caretaker charge following the recent sacking of Felix Magath.

“I had a really good [conference call] chat with the owners and Mark Lamping is here, and it was really positive and very upbeat. It was beneficial for both parties,” said Symons.

Meulensteen has spoken to Khan.
Khan is keen not to rush appointing a new manager

“It’s still the same situation. There will be a proper and thorough look for the right manager and I think that’s the right thing to do.

“I want the right person to take this club forward and my challenge now is to make sure that person is me.

“There’s no still timeframe at the moment and I know from speaking to Mark that they’re not going to rush and they’re going to take their time.

“Ultimately, results are vital in football and vital for my chances of getting the job.”

Symons’ cause can only have been helped by a 2-1 win against Doncaster in which Bryan Ruiz and Dan Burn scored.

Ruiz was recently recalled by Symons, while Burn was made captain for the night and responded with his first goal for Fulham.

It put Symons’ side in a commanding position but Doncaster pulled a goal back in the second half and were denied an equaliser when Marcus Bettinelli saved Theo Robinson’s 79th-minute penalty.

Captain Burn scored Fulham's second goal against Doncaster
Captain Burn scored Fulham’s second goal against Doncaster

“Dan Burn is a fantastic character and is one of our leaders and, with Scott Parker resting up a bit, he was an obvious choice,” Symons explained.

“Bryan is enjoying his football and I know how good he is. After training yesterday Bryan, Hugo Rodallega and Fernando Amorebieta were out and we couldn’t get them in.

“I was torn between ‘rest your legs’ and ‘enjoy yourselves boys, it’s lovely to see you kicking a ball about’.

“Confidence takes a while to build up but it’s a happy place at the moment and long may that continue.

“We played some really good stuff in the first half but in the second we weren’t as effective and made hard work of it.

“But that’s a team trying to get its confidence back and isn’t used to being in winning positions, especially at home. To get a win is massive for us. It’s a relief.”

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