Former Fulham interim manager and captain Scott Parker appointed permanent boss

Scott Parker has been appointed Fulham manager on a two-year deal which sees the former player take over the reigns permanently.

Playing 128 games for the Cottagers, the first-team coach was appointed to replace the sacked Claudio Ranieri back in late February as the Italian won only three of his 17 matches in charge of the Premier League side.

Since his first match in charge which ended in a 2-1 home loss to London rivals Chelsea, the 38-year-old has managed the relegated side on eight other occasions. Even though the Englishman lost his first five games in charge he won the next three but their winning streak ended at the hands of Wolves who beat them 1-0.

Owner of the club Shahid Khan had this to say about the appointment:

“Scott was brave to accept a very difficult challenge in February when appointed as our caretaker manager.

Since that time, day by day, whether in training or on match day, we’ve undeniably become a better football club. Scott will now have another challenge to face and that is to return Fulham to the Premier League. I fully believe Scott is more than up to the task.

I appreciate that he’s been clear for many years that his ultimate goal is to excel as a manager, and he will be given every opportunity to succeed at Fulham. I also have no doubt that he knows and loves this club every bit as much as our supporters, and that’s an intangible that everyone can welcome.”

Parker has 20 years experience in the English top-flight playing most of his career in London. The midfielder played over 350 times in the Premier League featuring for Charlton, Chelsea, Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham, before he came to his current side Fulham retiring their in June 2017.

Playing 18 times for England Parker had this to say about his future:

“Now, the challenge lies with me to move things forward, ultimately, success comes from a culture and a desire – that needs to be our foundation. We’ll drive a culture here that our fans will recognise.

I’ve got 20 years of playing experience and 20 years of being in changing rooms. I want to use that experience to help the club be successful and move things forward.”

Fulham’s final Premier League match will be on Sunday as they host Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle United, hoping to end it on a high as they join Cardiff City and Huddersfield Town in next season’s Championship.