Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen has expressed his delight at the appointment of Ray Wilkins as assistant head coach.

Wilkins was announced as Meulensteen's number two earlier this evening, the latest member of backroom staff to come into the club following Alan Curbishley's arrival as technical director on Christmas Eve.

The Cottagers are currently embroiled in a relegation battle at the bottom of the Premier League table, and Meulensteen is hopeful that Wilkins's experience can help them survive this season.

"I am delighted that the Chairman and the CEO have, again, backed my desire for further experience and support within the backroom staff," Meulensteen told the club's official website.

"Retaining our status of being a Barclays Premier League Club next season is vitally important to our long term plans, and I know that Ray's own experience and his knowledge of the game will be a vital component in our success."

Fulham face West Ham United in a bottom-of-the-table clash on New Year's Day.