Scott Parker will be on the bench in a coaching role if he isn't playing during Fulham's search for a new manager
The former England captain has stated that he wants to be involved in that aspect of the game after his playing career winds down.
And he assisted Peter Grant on the bench during the 1-1 draw with MK Dons but has been involved on the pitch against Preston and Nottingham Forest, with Steve Wigley and Alan Curbishley also helping out.
Under-21s boss Grant had been taking care of first team affairs while the club look for a new head coach but was yesterday replaced by Stuart Gray, who has been parachuted in to take charge this weekend against Brentford.
Former interim boss Gray told GetWestLondon : “I had Scott Parker with us for the first game as he wouldn't be involved in the game.
“I thought it would be important for him to be there and it'd be a good experience for him as well. You can do all the coaching courses in the world but you need that experience of a Saturday.
“Steve Wigley has helped over the last two weeks along with Alan. They've got great expereince as well. I'm leaning on them very closely and they've been a fantastic help to me.
“There's no doubt the boys have enjoyed working with them from their work ethic on the pitch. The only thing that's changed is the voices.”
Parker knows his playing career is nearer the end than the beginning but Grant is keen for him to play a big role in the coming weeks at Fulham, be it on the pitch or off it.
He explained: “Scott has missed four or five months with injury. He's 35 and he's had an ankle injury.
“We have to manage it, especially where he plays. He's got a massive part to have him in the team. I thought his experience would be good for me and the players.
“He's the captain of the club and he has a lot of experience with clubs and England. He wants to go into coaching and there's nothing better than being at the coalface.
“As he was involved against Preston, he wasn't involved on the bench. When he's not involved playing he'll be on the bench with us.”
