Fulham will be looking to win promotion back into the Premier League at the first time of asking under the management of Scott Parker. 

The Cottagers were relegated from the top flight last term, after just one season, much to the frustration of some of the club's supporters.

But Parker's future at Craven Cottage remains unclear this summer, with the former Chelsea and West Ham United midfielder being linked with a potential move to Championship rivals AFC Bournemouth ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

Speaking in an interview with This is Futbol, Peterborough United's Director of Football Barry Fry felt as though Fulham failed to back Parker in the summer transfer window last year, which is one of the reasons as to why he's eyeing a move elsewhere.

"I don’t think Fulham backed Scott when they got promotion this time last year, they didn’t back him at all in the transfer market, in my opinion."

As per Transfermarkt, Fulham spent over £104million on players prior to the 2018/19 season, but only spent £33.5million last season, which saw them drop back into the second tier of English football.

Fulham are set to get their 2021/22 campaign underway on Saturday 7th August, when they take on Middlesbrough, in what could potentially be a tricky test up against Neil Warnock's side.

It remains to be seen as to whether Parker will be in the dugout for that match as well, ahead of what is likely to be a nervy few weeks for the Craven Cottage faithful.

The Verdict:

It's not an unfair claim to be honest.

For most teams that win promotion from the Championship into the Premier League, they're going to need significant investment over the summer, to stand a chance of survival in the top flight.

Fulham's spending the first time they were back in the Premier League ahead of the 2018/19 season was certainly significant, although that wasn't enough to see them avoid relegation.

Their reduced spending ahead of the 2020/21 season could be one of the reasons as to why Parker is keen to pursue a move elsewhere, having been relegated from the top flight this term.