Former Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy has today been linked with the position of Fulham manager in the midst of increasing speculation over the future of Frenchman Jean Tigana.
Tigana has come under criticism from most quarters recently following the Cottagers' poor run of form and the below par performance of some of his bigger signings, while his relationship with Fulham owner Mohammad Al Fayed is said to be growing ever more rocky.
McCarthy has been linked with a number of clubs since his departure from the international setup but it is thought that the Fulham job would be ideal for the former Milwall boss.
Tigana, who has spent #&155 million since his arrival, admits he will be glad to see the back of 2002 - but insists the new year holds no relegation fears for him.
The Frenchman has now taken the unusual step of urging his faltering team to produce the passion shown by tomorrow's opponents West Brom in order to hoist themselves up the Premiership table.
Fulham go into the Loftus Road clash with the joint-bottom Baggies on the back of a miserable run which has seen them tumble to 16th, just five points above the drop zone.
Tigana readily admits December has been a month to forget - but he also bemoans his strikers' bad luck, both regarding their finishing power and injuries.
"I'm happy it's the New Year because this month has been very difficult for us as we've been very unlucky many, many times," he said.
"I never worry about relegation - so I'm not worried about that, although do we need a change of luck.
"We've played well and not made big mistakes. But we've made one mistake and lost against Blackburn, West Ham and Manchester City - when it was possible to win.
"We've also been very unlucky with injuries, as I've had to play midfielder Steed Malbranque up front as we had nothing else."
Tigana's side squandered a stream of chances in Saturday's 1-0 home defeat against Manchester City.