Scott Parker reveals Sir Alex Ferguson sent him a good luck text

Fulham’s caretaker manager Scott Parker has revealed he received a message from Sir Alex Ferguson after being given the job.

Parker was named as interim manager following the dismissal of Claudio Ranieri on Thursday and will begin his tenure against former club Chelsea on Sunday.

The 38-year-old took his first training session on Friday and then addressed the media afterwards and spoke about the many good luck texts he received, although one stood out in particular.

Scott Parker oversaw Fulham training for the first time since being named caretaker manager

The former Fulham midfielder will take charge of his first game against Chelsea on Sunday

Players were put through their paces as they look to avoid Premier League relegation

Star striker Aleksander Mitrovic was all smiles as he looks to dent Chelsea’s top four hopes

He said: ‘I don’t have many friends but yesterday my phone was pinging all the time.

‘Sir Alex (Ferguson) found the time to send a long detailed message, giving me advice on how he sees things, which is truly inspirational.

‘It’s definitely an audition. On a personal note this is something I started working towards seven years ago when I was a Spurs player.

‘I’ve got an ambition to be a manager. My main focus at this moment in time is getting the team together, finding some stability.

‘It’s been a whirlwind 24 hours but I’m really looking forward to it. As a young person in this position, I’m very grateful.’ 

More to follow. 

Midfield duo Tom Cairney and Kevin McDonald use each other to stretch out their legs

Luciano Vietto jumps on the back of Ryan Babel during one exercise in Friday’s session

Calum Chambers and other Fulham’s defenders have a tough task keeping Chelsea at bay

Ryan Sessegnon will be hoping he can improve upon his disappointing Premier League season

Parker was placed in charge of the first team after Claudio Ranieri’s dismissal on Thursday