Fulham Coach Scott Parker was reflective in his final press conference of our campaign, summing up the game as 'the story of our season.'
“That game was our season in a snapshot,” said our Head Coach. “Certainly, in the second half I thought we played the game in their half for the majority, but we missed some big chances – [Ivan] Cavaleiro’s chance that goes over is a massive chance.
“Then they enter our box three or four times, we give away a penalty and the game is done.
“I didn’t like us first half. I thought we lacked intensity, I thought we lacked a stimulus really, the game was flat - I thought both teams were.
“I thought that in second half we were well improved and we did very well, we just didn’t manage to be on the right side of things.”
At the conclusion of one of the most congested seasons in recent times, Parker said it is now time to take stock and start to rebuild for a new chapter of our future.
“We all need to take a breath,” he stated. “I think it’s probably wise to take a little bit of a breather, clear our minds and then come back with a plan of what we need to do and how we can be successful next year.
“It’s a tough league that we are in next year. Seven or eight players leave this team now, seven or eight come back into it from loan spells.
“It’s a new team again, a new stimulus and we need to work out what is the best way to go.”
A big positive on Sunday was the return of 2,000 fans to the Cottage to see out our season, and Parker showed the importance of their support is not lost on him one bit, citing his appreciation.
“The fans have been brilliant with me and the team for the time I’ve been here,” said the Gaffer. “I’m forever grateful for the support they have given us.
“I realise how important they are, and I certainly realise how important it is for the manager to have the support of the fans.
“The motivation this season was for the fans, the football club, the players, and for all of us to try and stay in this league and that will never fade away, that will be exactly the same again next year.
“I’m sad that the fans have not been able to experience Premier League football this year; the quality on show, the players and the teams that have been here at the Cottage.
“Our next challenge is to come back next year, support the team and try and get back into this league where we all want to be.”