Scott Parker has been left to pick up the reins at relegation-threatened Fulham following the sacking of Claudio Ranieri as manager.

Parker, the former Cottagers captain, was placed in caretaker charge on Thursday as Ranieri’s reign was terminated after just three months with the club 19th in the Premier League.

Ranieri, appointed after the sacking of Slavisa Jokanovic in November, paid the price for a dismal run of form that saw him oversee just three wins in 16 league games.

It is a remarkable fall from grace for the Italian, who masterminded Leicester’s remarkable title triumph in 2016.

Chairman Shad Khan said in a statement: “Claudio Ranieri agreed to my decision that a change was in the best interest of everyone. Claudio’s tenure at Fulham didn’t produce the outcome we anticipated and needed when I appointed him.”

First-team coach Parker takes over with the team 10 points adrift of safety with 10 games remaining. His first task is a testing derby against one of his former clubs, Chelsea, on Sunday.

His thoughts on the size of the challenge may become clear on Friday with the club due to hold a press conference to preview this weekend’s encounter.