Scott Parker says he is ‘gutted’ after Fulham’s relegation from the Premier League was confirmed with a 2-0 defeat to Burnley.
The Cottagers had to win to ensure their top-flight survival but failed to register much attacking threat on the night.
Ashley Westwood opened the scoring for the Clarets in the 35th minute.
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Matej Vydra did well on the byline before squaring it for Westwood, who managed to tap home.
Chris Wood then made Fulham’s task much harder with a brilliant strike in the 44th minute.
His half-volley, set up by Josh Brownhill, marked his 5oth goal for Burnley.
Fulham hit the crossbar through Frank Anguissa in the second half but couldn’t get a goal back.
The result confirmed Fulham’s second relegation from the Prem in three seasons.
Reacting to the loss, Parker told BBC Sport: “It has been looming but it doesn’t hide the disappointment, hurt and sadness I feel tonight. It’s inevitable now. I am gutted.
“This year at times, while we have had some big improvements and pushed on in certain elements, the facts are that we have fallen short. We have not been quite good enough.
“Tonight is how the season has gone at times. Between the two boxes we did very well. The difference was defensively, the two goals we conceded were poor, and in the final moment when you need to score and make good decisions we did not have that.
“Probably when I look back over the season that has been the big difference. We have lacked quality in certain moments. The players need to understand what you need to bring at this level. There’s an effort and endeavour but you need to have more to survive at this level. This level is brutal. The tiny details are key.
“At this moment in time I have nothing but sadness. Now and in the coming days we will have a long hard think and regroup. My job is to make sure these games end in the right way.
“The club needs to make big decisions. We’ve had a relegation, a promotion and a relegation. The rollercoaster of that and the highs and lows is not something you want.
“As a football club we need to make good decisions and work out where we want to go.”
This summer looks set to be an important one for Parker and Fulham as they try to figure out how to take the next step.
In the mean time, Parker will focus on the Cottagers’ next match. They play Southampton on Saturday at 15:00.