John stunned by Coleman exit

Collins John admits Chris Coleman's sacking has come as a 'great surprise'.

Fulham striker Collins John admits Chris Coleman's sacking has come as a 'great surprise'.

Coleman was dismissed by the Premiership strugglers on Monday night, with Lawrie Sanchez coming in for the final five games of the season.

The managerial change comes with Fulham on a run of seven league games without a win and the club just four points above the relegation zone.

Dutch forward John, who has scored only one Premiership goal this season, revealed he was shocked to learn of Coleman's exit.

"It's a great surprise," John told Sky Sports News.

"Obviously, there are five games left and I know this situation was not very good, but I think the boys are not even thinking we are going to get relegated.

"I think we were fine, so I can't really believe it."

Sanchez's first game is at Reading on Saturday and John is waiting to see what impact the Northern Ireland coach can have on the Fulham squad.

John added: "We have to wait and see, he's a new manager and it's a new challenge.

"There are five games left, five quite hard games and away to Reading.

"I think we have to wait and see. I can't really say because I don't know the manager."