Fulham boss Scott Parker: Investment in my squad would be a massive help
BY DANIEL MARSH
Scott Parker has defended Fulham’s lack of activity in the January transfer window – but has admitted that he believes investment would help his team “massively”.
The Whites found deals for defensive reinforcements tough going in the summer market, before a late influx of arrivals in the previous transfer window.
Since then, Parker has been open with his desire to add another striker to the ranks this month, but has conceded on a couple of occasions that it’s proving difficult for the Whites to get one.
The club splashed the cash during their last stay in the top flight, but it was a fruitless campaign which saw them head straight back down.
Parker said: “The last time we were in this division we spent a lot of money. The owner’s have spent an awful amount of money during their tenure at this football club.
“That money was spent and we didn’t stay in the division – maybe there’s a different avenue this time around in that sense. Like you said, we’ve not invested a lot of money into the squad. We’ve tried to bring players in on loan and I think we’ve done very, very well.
“Do I believe that a little bit of investment could help this team massively? Yeah, I do.
“But I also understand the situation and where people may see it as well, so it’s a big commitment. Whatever the situation is, this team has developed and done very well in the current situation. Will that be enough at the end of the season? Who knows – it’s going to be very difficult.
“Of course, it would always make it easier bringing in people who you know can help. But, at the same time, I believe in this squad of players. The improvement’s that they’ve made over a short space of time gives me hope that we’ve got a fighting chance of staying in this division.”
Fulham’s director of football Tony Khan has come under fire from some fans over the club’s dealings in the transfer market this year.
Parker said: “We’re constantly in dialogue trying to explain the situation. Tony sees that as well.
“The Khan family have invested a lot of money into this football club, and ultimately it’s their prerogative on what they want to do and how much they’re willing to do that. I understand that. We both understand the difficulties of staying in this division without really evolving and bringing in players who can improve us.
“But, at the same time, we’ve got a chance. While it’ll be a tough season this year, we’ll keep working as hard as we can. If something happens between now and when window shuts [someone comes in] then amazing. They can help the players push on again. If not? Then we’ll keep on improving with what we have.”
Parker has also reiterated his stance that he’s happy with his current level of control over the club’s transfer dealings in the current set-up with Khan.
“I understand the processes which are here. Every football club has processes in place for how they work – we’ve got our own.
“There’s a lot of boxes which need to be ticked,I realise that. I’ve been working in these processes now for two years. At times, I think any manager could sit in positions and be frustrated, but that’s the way it is.
“I’m happy working in these moments. Of course you always want to push – can we get this? I see it first-hand at moments how close it can be, because I’m working daily with the team. I see the results. I see the game maybe a bit different, because I see it with eyes which are purely just football.
“That’s the way it is. I’m more than happy with that at the moment and we’ll keep trying our hardest to get things right and try and get people in to help the team.”
