Fulham skipper Danny Murphy has emerged as an outside contender to become the next Fulham manager - once Roy Hodgson's departure to Liverpool is confirmed.
The midfielder was touted as a future boss by no less than Hodgson himself last season, and is already studying for his Uefa coaching licences.
The Whites have gone this route before when they appointed central defender and changing-room favourite Chris Coleman to the job in 2003.
Murphy would be expected to work with the more experienced Ray Lewington, and probably one other senior coach from outside the club.
But despite his inexperience, the former Liverpool, Tottenham and England international commands the respect of a squad that will need to focus on life after Hodgson just three days before they arrive back for training on Monday.
However, former Premiership bosses Alan Curbishley, Sven-Goran Eriksson and Mark Hughes head the bookies list to succeed Hodgson, who took Fulham to the Europa League final last season.