Fulham midfielder Scott Parker has admitted there is a tense atmosphere at Fulham but is determined to repay the fans for their fantastic support by avoiding relegation.
Felix Magath’s side have raised hopes of an unlikely escape with recent wins over Aston Villa and Norwich City, but last weekend’s loss to Tottenham Hotspur left them two points from safety.
Fulham have three games remaining this term, starting with a home clash against Hull City on Saturday, and Parker says there is a fierce determination within the squad to pull clear of trouble.
“We all understand the responsibility we have as players,” he said.
“Ultimately, we’re going out there for a lot of people and it’s in our hands to try and win games to keep us in the league, so we all understand that responsibility that’s needed from us.
“I’d probably be lying if I said the mood around the place was fantastic because obviously when you’re down near the bottom of the league it’s very tense, very nervy.
“I’m hoping we can all just stick together and give it one final push, and hopefully have a bit of luck, and see what happens.”
Parker has been grateful to the Fulham faithful for their support throughout a tough season and thinks their continued backing could make a crucial difference in the run-in.
“The fans have been fantastic and we need that added push from them,” he said. “The fans have been absolutely superb considering we, as players, haven’t given them a lot to shout about this year.
“All of us realise things haven’t been great and we could have done a lot better at times. The fans have been fantastic and we need their support more than ever, and I’m sure they’ll keep at it.
“They’ve been right behind us and all I can say is a big thank you for that, and hopefully that’s what’s going to pull us through.”
It has been suggested that Fulham’s remaining matches are not as difficult as the fixtures awaiting their relegation rivals, but Parker is still wary of the threat Hull will pose on Saturday.
“They’re looking over their shoulder a little but I think they’ll be safe,” Parker stated. “Obviously they’ve got an FA Cup Final to look forward to so I think they’ve had a very good season.
“I’m sure they won’t be taking their eye off any game, especially with a manager like Steve Bruce, so it will be a difficult game for us.”
