Steve Sidwell has admitted that Saturday was a "sad day for Fulham" after the Cottagers were relegated from the Premier League.

Sidwell and his teammates slumped to a 4-1 defeat to Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium yesterday, sealing their demotion to the Championship after 13 years in England's top flight.

Things might have been different for Felix Magath's side had they not surrendered a two-goal lead at home to Hull City last week, and the midfielder says that result was the turning point.

He told Sky Sports News at full time: "I think last week probably knocked the stuffing out of us - 2-0 up at home and coming away with a draw. We knew we had to come here to get a result and it's not worked out.

"It's probably more disappointing with how we have performed today. I think words were said in the dressing room, that if we were going to go down, let's go down with a bit of fight and courage - something that's not been there throughout the season, let alone today.

"So it's a sad day for Fulham Football Club."

The West Londoners will be joined in the second tier of English football by Cardiff City next season, who were also relegated on Saturday.