Martin Jol has turned down the chance to become the new Fulham manager, leaving the Cottagers (15/2 to be relegated in 2010-11 season) turn their attentions elsewhere in the search for a successor to Roy Hodgson.
Former Spurs boss Jol was the strong favourite to fill the Craven Cottage vacancy, having been frustrated by a lack of spending power at current club Ajax.
The Dutch outfit always stated though that they didn?t want to lose their manager, despite holding talks with Fulham over potential compensation.
But after reportedly telling Jol that he will have money to spend this summer, it appears the Dutchman has had a change of heart and has announced his intension to remain in Amsterdam.
Speaking on the Ajax website, Jol revealed: “Ajax let me know they didn’t want me to go, and I don’t think I can bring myself to leave Ajax at this time.
“I came here last summer to be successful, the build a good team and to have fun and those three things are what I am interested in achieving next season.”
His snub means further problems for Fulham, who have now been without a manager since Roy Hodgson joined Liverpool on July 1.
With the new Premier League season just over three weeks away, the Cottagers face a race against time to find a new boss ahead of their opening game with Bolton (Bolton 6/5, Draw 11/5, Fulham 15/8 – Match Betting).
Cardiff City boss Dave Jones is among those now being touted for the post, while USA coach Bob Bradley has also been strongly linked with the vacancy.
Of the managers currently out of work and linked with Fulham, ex-Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson could be keen on a return to the Premier League.
Mark Hughes, Alan Curbishley and Gianfranco Zola are also believed to be on the list of potential candidates for the Fulham board.
The west-London outfit have not yet moved in the transfer market this summer and with the likes of Mark Schwarzer and Simon Davies linked with moves, the new man could have to do some rebuilding.
Goalkeeper Schwarzer is being strongly tipped with a move to Arsenal, while Everton are understood to be chasing Welsh international Davies.
Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.