Fulham were relegated from the English Premier League after a 4-1 thrashing by Watford yesterday morning brought an end to their one-season stay in the top flight.
Despite a close-season investment of over £100 million on new signings - the most spent by a promoted EPL club - the Cottagers went down with a whimper. "When a club gets relegated, you know there are some serious issues. I have ideas, but it's not the time to broadcast it," caretaker manager Scott Parker said of his side who are second from bottom, 16 points from safety with five games remaining.
"The team owe it to the football club and fans to go out in the last five games and give something back, although it'll be very little. The next five games, we will crack on." Abdoulaye Doucoure put Watford ahead in the 23rd minute before Ryan Babel's equaliser 10 minutes later briefly gave Fulham hope. Fulham's fate was sealed in the second half when Will Hughes, Troy Deeney and Kiko Femenia all netted in the space of 12 minutes.