Last updated on .From the section Football

Alan Curbishley has been appointed Fulham's first-team technical director.

The former Charlton boss returns to club football more than five years after leaving West Ham.

The 56-year-old, once tipped as a future manager of the England national team, joins forces with Rene Meulensteen, who replaced Martin Jol as manager earlier this month.

"Alan has a proven track record and understands full well what it takes to succeed," said Meulensteen.

Fulham, who face Norwich at Carrow Road on Boxing Day, are currently 19th in the Premier League, one point adrift of safety.