Fulham were sunk by too many buys, says Cairney

never gelled in the way it had been hoped they would.

He said: “We spent a lot of money but it shows it isn’t always about that. I don’t think we bonded quickly enough, the team ethos didn’t develop.

“I don’t think we clicked or got used to playing with each other. And then before you know it you’re playing catch-up – and catch-up in the Premier League is awful.

“We didn’t win back-to-back games until Scott Parker was put in charge, so we didn’t have any momentum.”

If Fulham can bounce straight back then Cairney believes it will be a greater achievement than winning their previous promotion. He said: “Not many teams go straight back up the next season, so I honestly think that if we do it then it will be better than the first time.”

They will have to attempt that task without Seri, who has gone to Galatasaray, and Zambo Anguissa, who has joined Villarreal on loan.

Manager Parker has made only two new signings, both on loan — Anthony Knockaert from Brighton and Ivan Cavaleiro fromWolves.

Cairney said: “Knockaert and Cavaleiro have been exciting in the couple of weeks they’ve been in training.”

this century, and they will try under new French manager Sabri Lamouchi.

Midfielder Cash said: “We can’t wait to get going. We couldn’t be more ready.

“West Brom are a good side and we’ve been working on how they play.

“This club has been out of the Premier League too long so the aim is to get back.

“It’s such a hard division to get out of. Every club in this league is a big club.” Andre Schurrle TWO-YEAR LOAN Jean Michael Seri £25M

Andre Zambo Anguissa £27M Aleksandar Mitrovic £22.3M

Alfie Mawson £15.2M

Joe Bryan

£6M

Fabri

£5.4M

Maxime Le Marchand £3.6M

Sergio Rico LOAN

Timothy Fosu-Mensah LOAN

Calum Chambers LOAN

Luciano Vietto LOAN