Fulham boss Chris Coleman was back at work today after 15 days in hospital battling the mystery virus which attacked his weak right leg.
Coleman took charge of a two hour training session at the club's Motspur Park headquarters in south-west London and is due back in the dug-out for Saturday's Barclaycard Premiership clash with Leeds at Loftus Road.
The 33-year-old was taken 'very ill' in the early hours of February 25th and rushed to hospital, where he was put on an antibiotic drip as he fought the bug targeting the 'traumatised' leg he shattered in his January 2001 car crash.
Coleman's return has taken far longer than expected, with club officials - who refused to identify the manager's illness - delaying his return four times as he was forced to undergo surgery on his leg.
But the Welshman, a father of four, returned to work today after missing three games - the 3-0 FA Cup victory at West Ham, the 1-1 home Premiership draw with Manchester United and Saturday's 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final defeat at Old Trafford.
A Fulham spokesman said: "The club is happy to announce Chris has joined the squad for the first training session since he was taken ill.
"He is feeling well and very happy to be back on the training pitch with the players to help prepare for the fixture against Leeds. Chris would like to thank fans for the good wishes he received during his time in hospital, which he very much appreciated."
Assistant boss Steve Kean was in charge during Coleman's absence, although the managerial duo met in hospital to discuss team selection and tactics.
Coleman, who has pulled out of a meeting with fans scheduled for tomorrow night, is expected to talk about his illness at a press conference on Friday.