MELVILLE SIGNS NEW COTTAGERS DEAL

The new deal will keep the Welsh international central defender at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2003.

Cottagers boss Jean Tigana is keen to tie up his first-team players on long-term deals as he prepares for life in the top-flight and the former Sunderland star joins Sean Davis and Luis Boa Morte in pledging their futures to the West London outfit.

The 32-year-old ace, who played a key role in Fulham's First Division title success last season, admitted he was delighted to have agreed the new deal.

"I was happy to sign," Melville told the clubs official website. "The new contract keeps me at the club until I'm 34 and I've got lots of ambitions to fulfill.

"With the year we've had, and the one ahead, it's important to feel settled."

Meanwhile, Fulham club captain Chris Coleman has admitted for the first time that he fears his career might be over.

The Welsh international defender has been battling to regain fitness after suffering serious leg injuries when his sports car careered off the road and smashed into a tree in January.

The 31-year-old ace, who broke his right leg in three places, shattered his ankle and badly damaged his knee, was told he was even lucky to survive the crash.

The former Crystal Palace star, who has recently undergone his sixth operation, is preparing himself for the worst.

"The doctors say the tibia is a notoriously bad bone to heal," said Coleman. "If I am told I won't play again, I'll just have to accept the decision.

"My hope remains to play again by the end of next season.

"I have always been strong mentally and I am confident no matter how long it takes, I will recover.

"I am only 31 and have time on my side. If I had been 33 or 34, then I would have had no chance."

The influential star, who had been in outstanding form up until his injury, is hopeful that he can again come back from a serious injury after suffering an Achilles tendon injury when he was at Blackburn, which ruled him out for a year.

"I proved them wrong when I was at Blackburn and I can do so again," said Coleman.

"Nothing would please me more than to be able to stick two fingers up at the doubters."