Fulham: Tom Cairney insists Scott Parker is the right man to take Cottagers forward

Cairney has been impressed with Parker's impact since taking over from Claudio Ranieri on a caretaker basis

Jack Rathborn
Sunday 05 May 2019 12:33 BST
Comments
Claudio Ranieri sacked by Fulham

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Fulham captain Tom Cairney wants caretaker boss Scott Parker to receive the job permanently.

The midfielder wants Parker to be in charge at Craven Cottage next season in the Championship.

Leander Dendoncker’s struck late to condemn Fulham to a 1-0 defeat at Wolves on Saturday, their 25th loss of the Premier League season.

The loss snapped a three-game win streak, but Parker has made a positive impact since replacing Claudio Ranieri in February and Cairney now wants him to keep the job full-time.

“I’ve said for a long time that I think Scott has done an incredible job and, in my eyes, I think he is the right man for the job,” he told Sky Sports.

“The way he has got us playing in such a short space of time, in the hardest league in the world, is a credit to him. I believe he is the man to take us forward so we’ll see.”

Parker had also called for clarity with Fulham heading into their final game of the season at home to Newcastle next week.

He said: “Not just for me, as a club ahead of what’s going to be a massive year, we need to have a clear idea of what way we are going to go.

“We’re seven days away from ending the season and a lot of planning needs to go into next year. I’m sure it’ll come in due course.”

Dendoncker struck 15 minutes from time, volleying in Matt Doherty’s cross having already hit the crossbar with a first-half header.

Diogo Jota also smacked the woodwork late on as Wolves moved closer to clinching seventh spot.

Scott Parker applauds the Fulham fans
Scott Parker applauds the Fulham fans (Getty)

It would bring a Europa League qualifying spot if Watford lose in the FA Cup final to Manchester City.

Boss Nuno Espirito Santo said: “I’m proud of how we played every game. The draws, the games that we lose, the way we lose – even in the FA Cup, I’m proud of that, because it was a big moment for us.

“I’m proud of every minute, even the training sessions, every minute. The achievement is for the players because how we did things here is important. How we did it.

Tom Cairney wants Scott Parker to be given the Fulham job full time
Tom Cairney wants Scott Parker to be given the Fulham job full time (PA)

“We started with a squad of 18 – plus goalies, then in December we reduced the squad to 16, and these players made it.

“They made it and committed so much. I’m so proud of them that I can’t express it in words. I can’t express how proud I am of our team.”

PA Sport also contributed to this report

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in