Scott Parker: Fulham midfielder upbeat on Championship hopes

Parker [left] won 18 international caps for England between 2003 and 2012

Fulham midfielder Scott Parker is hopeful manager Felix Magath can guide the side to an immediate return to the Premier League.

The west London club's 13-year stay in the top flight was ended last season.

"The manager has a strong philosophy, strong ideas and is a very strong personality as well," Parker, 33, told BBC London 94.9.

"He will bring in his own players and hopefully from there we will develop and become a better team."

He added: "I spoke to him at the back end of last season and we both went away with the same thoughts; to get away over the summer, come back in pre-season and try and mould something at the club.

"Every player will have the right objective - to try and get us back in the Premier League."

Fulham were relegated from the Premier League following a season in which they sacked their manager twice.

Martin Jol was dismissed in December and replaced by Rene Meulensteen, but the former Manchester United coach was then relieved of his duties in February, with Magath appointed in his place.

With Ray Wilkins and Alan Curbishley also spending time on the coaching staff, Parker says the changes were "very tough" to handle for the Whites.

Fulham sacked Martin Jol and Rene Meulensteen as they looked to retain their Premier League status but Felix Magath was unable to keep the Craven Cottage side in the top flight

"I am a firm believer in continuity," the former Charlton, Chelsea, Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham man said.

"I understand there is a time when things need to change but certainly last year it was not easy.

"When you do make so many changes it becomes very difficult. Different styles, ideas and philosophies is not helpful.

"As a player you need to try and adapt. Last year we underperformed massively at times."

Captain Brede Hangeland was one of several high-profile departures from Craven Cottage over the summer, with fellow defender John Heitinga and midfielders Damien Duff, John Arne Riise and Steve Sidwell among those also being released.

Fulham have since bolstered their squad with the signings of defender Shaun Hutchinson from Motherwell and Australia international striker Adam Taggart.

"When a team gets relegated, changes are made," Parker said.

"A lot of players have left but you have to trust in the man you are giving that responsibility to. You need a different mindset for the Championship.

"We have let some experienced players go and we are a young and developing squad.

"It is a process and we all want it to be a quick fix over time. We will all try and push in the right direction and get up."

Fulham's players returned to pre-season training on Tuesday and Parker has welcomed the opportunity to get back on the training ground.

"It was a disappointing summer for me," the former England international said.

"As much as you love your break you reflect on the season just gone. We have to look forward now.

"I am sure the manager has got plans and in a way I am looking forward to going in, setting out the stall and trying to develop something and get back in the Premier League next year.

"It will be difficult but we will give it a go.

"We need to build and have a positive outlook on things. I am sure we will be fine."