Fulham have appointed former manager Ray Wilkins as their new assistant head coach.

Wilkins will join current manager Rene Meulensteen in the dugout at Craven Cottage as the West London club look to fight their way out of the relegation zone in the second half of the season.

The 57-year-old spent less than eight months in charge of Fulham between 1997-98, guiding the club to the playoffs in the old Second Division only to be sacked by Mohamed Al-Fayed before the first match took place having lost the final three games of the regular season.

More recently, Wilkins has spent time as assistant manager across West London at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea, helping the club to a double in 2009-10.

"Fulham football club today confirmed that it has added to its first-team staff, and Rene Meulensteen will be joined in the dugout by Ray Wilkins as assistant head coach," read a statement on the club's website.

"The addition of Ray, along with that of Alan Curbishley on Christmas Eve, provides the club with the experience and expertise necessary as it aims to secure Barclays Premier League status for a 14th consecutive season."

Fulham's next match comes on New Year's Day as they take on fellow strugglers West Ham United at Craven Cottage.