Ray Lewington

Raymond "Ray" Lewington (born 7 September 1956 in Lambeth, England) is a retired English footballer and the first team coach of Fulham. His son, Dean, is a professional footballer playing for Milton Keynes Dons.

Playing career

Lewington started his career at Chelsea in the 1970s, and played a season at Vancouver Whitecaps in 1979, before a loan spell at Wimbledon.

In 1980 he transferred to Fulham, and he was to go on and make over 170 League appearances for them before a season at Sheffield United in 1985-86. After that season he returned to Fulham and went on to play another 60 league matches for them.

Managerial career

Lewington became player-manager of Fulham after their relegation to the old Division Three in July 1986. His first season was a difficult one. With a tight budget imposed on him, Lewington was unable to lift the club and they flirted with relegation. Off the field, the club was unstable after two takeovers in quick succession and the suggestion of a merger with another club.

The next two seasons showed no sign of an up-turn in fortune, but in 1989, Lewington guided the club to the play-offs, although they were unsuccessful in achieving promotion. The following season saw the club struggle against relegation once more. At the end of that season, Alan Dicks was brought in, with Lewington becoming his assistant.

Lewington had spells as caretaker manager...
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