Friday 1 March 2019 10:15, UK
Fulham caretaker manager Scott Parker can do a similar job to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United, says Barry Hayles.
Parker took the reigns at Craven Cottage until the end of season after Claudio Ranieri's departure on Thursday with his first game in charge against west London rivals Chelsea on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
Ranieri managed just three wins in 17 matches over a four-month spell and Wednesday's 2-0 defeat to Southampton left Fulham 10 points from safety in the Premier League, with 10 matches to play.
When asked if Parker could do a similar job to United caretaker boss Solskjaer, who has recorded nine wins from his first 11 Premier League games, former Fulham striker Hayles said: "I can't see why not.
"He's a young, fresh manager with new ideas. First and foremost he's got to sort out the backline.
"The way that Scott Parker played, he had a bit of bite, and I think this Fulham team have been lacking that throughout the season.
"Darren Moore was at a similar situation at West Brom. He went down with them and made them a good solid outfit who can maybe bounce back [to the Premier League]. So why can't Fulham do that too?"
Parker's appointment as caretaker manager followed Ranieri's dismissal and the Italian has faced some criticism, including from former Fulham defender Tony Gale, who questioned his "strange" selection policy.
However, he was defended by Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson, who said Ranieri "did nothing professionally" to deserve being sacked.
"I think the fans got him the boot really," Hayles added. "I went to a few games and there were chats of 'You don't know what you're doing' and all that. I think it was on the cards."
