Mark Hughes will consider handing Mark Schwarzer a coaching role at Fulham after the goalkeeper finally ended speculation about his future by signing a new two-year contract.
Schwarzer gave up on his dream of joining Arsenal in the January transfer window, choosing instead to be part of Hughes' Craven Cottage revolution. The 38-year-old, whose previous deal expired at the end of the season, had reportedly been offered a player-coach role by the Gunners, who had more than one bid rejected for the Australia star in the summer.
Hughes would also be willing to give Schwarzer his big break in coaching, saying: "If that's something he wants to pursue in the future, I would certainly be receptive to enabling him to possibly start his coaching career and see how it develops. That would be an option for him, I'm sure."
Schwarzer looked certain to leave after expressing a desire to join Arsenal, and his u-turn speaks volumes for new manager Hughes' powers of persuasion.
Revealing the nature of their talks, Hughes said: "I just sat him down and said, for myself and for Fulham to be successful, I need Mark Schwarzer here.
"That's basically it, in black and white terms.
"He's an outstanding keeper and has been for many, many years.
"He understands the Premier League, he understands what it's all about and we're a better team when Mark Schwarzer's playing.
"It was very easy from my point of view to construct an argument because it's there for everybody to see."
Source: PA
