‘Scott has done a fantastic job.. and I’m lovin’ it’
FORMER TEAM-MATE ILIC HAILS FULHAM BOSS PARKER
AS a youngster at Charlton, Scott Parker was best known as the kid from the McDonald’s advert.
And it’s fair to assume that the Fulham manager has enjoyed a fair few happy meals since his club beat Brentford in the Championship play- off final at Wembley in extra time on Tuesday night.
Bouncing back from relegation at the first time of asking is something that few sides achieve.
And the influence of Parker on the west London side has been clear to see – particularly since the return of Championship football.
Sasa Ilic, now a hotel owner in Montenegro, has been watching on from afar with vested interest in the club’s progress.
Not only did he play alongside Parker when the midfielder first broke into the Addicks side, he is also delighted to see fellow Serbian Aleksandar Mitrovic return to the top flight.
And he is in no doubt Parker’s breakthrough years in SE7 stood him in the best stead possible as a boss.
“When a teenager comes into the side, you never think about them being a manager one day,” said Ilic ( below). “He came through the ranks early, but he had so much promise.
“He went on loan to Norwich in 2000 when he was 18 or 19. He was always so skilful, but even in training he’d always take that one extra touch.
“But he was always so fearless. He was always a force to be reckoned with in midfield. Alan Curbishley sent him off to Norwich and once he got a first- team place in the Championship hip – which can either ither kill you or make ake you – he was a compl etely y different player.
“That’s all it took – a brief spell on n loan was all he needed to take ke it to the next level. vel.
“He has always ways been a quick learner and I think we’ve seen that in him as a manager. To take Fulham up at the first time of asking is incredible.”
Parker exudes the same quiet confidence in the dug-out as he did on the pitch for Charlton, Chelsea, West Ham, Spurs and
Newcastle. Throw in his 18 England caps and the experience he brings to a job in which he was confirmed in May 2019, after a short spell as caretaker, is obvious.
And he was certainly handed a crash-course in management throughout 2019/20.
All he needs to do now is keep Fulham in the Premier League, which might be easier said than done – but far simpler with Mitrovic leading the line.
“He came off the bench in the play-off final and you saw the difference he made,” said Ilic. “It’s absolutely crucial that Fulham keep him because he’s a top, to top player. “I think Scottie ha has done a fantastic fa job so far. To bounce back after relegation is amazing. You only need to s see wha t ha happened to Sun Sunderland to see what c can happen if you allow things t to slide. “I haven’t seen him for a while, but he’s more than welcome to stay at our hotel any time he wants!”
Staying in the Premier League next May would be a great excuse for a holiday. Ilic will greet him with open arms.