Parker given Fulham manager’s job

Scott Parker has been given the Fulham manager’s job.

Parker, 38, stepped up from the role of first-team coach to take caretaker charge following the sacking of Claudio Ranieri in February.

He was unable to keep Fulham in the Premier League but there has been an upturn in results and performances.

Chairman Shahid Khan said he believes Parker is “more than up to the task” of steering the club back to the top flight.

Parker said: “We are now all focused on ending this campaign with a positive result on Sunday against Newcastle and look forward to preparations for the new season, which have already begun.”

Parker won 18 England caps and played for Chelsea as well as Charlton, Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham before joining Fulham, where he ended his playing career in 2017.

He spent a season in charge of Tottenham’s Under-18 side before returning to Craven Cottage.

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

“Since that time, day by day, whether in training or on matchday, we’ve undeniably become a better football club.”