Scott Parker’s influence at Fulham seemed to make a real difference during the second half against Chelsea last weekend.
A defiant fighting spirit that has often been missing from the Premier League strugglers pushed the visitors all the way.
And now Parker appears to be preparing for a long scrap next season, when Championship football looks a near certainty.
Gathering people he trusts to work alongside, Parker has recruited Matt Wells from Tottenham and the hugely experienced Stuart Gray.
Coaches on the sidelines cannot score goals or, indeed, keep them out, but they can definitely raise standards for the challenge ahead.
