Rookie’s joy as Sir Alex sends him text tips

footballer – and the modern-day human being – is very, very different.

“I have four sons and from what I was doing at that age to what they are doing now, it is miles apart and that comes from social media and all stuff like that.

“You can either go against it – I am not for it – but ultimately you have to try and engage in it and try and understand that they are different.”

Fulham fans were in open revolt at Southampton on Wednesday as they crashed to a fourth consecutive defeat in Ranieri’s last match in charge.

“There has been a disconnect, certainly with the fans,” admitted Parker, who has been promoted from first team coach.

“If there’s one thing you can guarantee as a player it is you leave a passion and desire on a football pitch – that’s the message I’ve given to the players.

“I really hope I can have the same effect as Solskjaer at Manchester United – I hope I can bring energy and transmit my passion to the team.

“Passion has definitely been missing at times. I feel like at times this year we’ve been easy to play against, a really soft touch, and I feel that’s why the fans have pulled away a bit.

“There’s a way to lose games. And this year at times we have lost and people can point fingers.”

Ranieri visited the Cottagers’ Motspur Park training ground yesterday to say goodbye to players and staff.

“As a man he was a class act,” added Parker.