Premier League-winning coach dies as club ‘devastated’ by death of ‘legend’ | Football | Sport
Blackburn Rovers have confirmed the death of club icon Tony Parkes at the age of 76. Parkes, known as ‘Mr Blackburn Rovers’, spent 12 years as a player for Blackburn before joining the coaching staff at Ewood Park, and also assumed caretaker responsibilities on several occasions between 1986 and 2004. He formed part of the coaching team during Blackburn’s Premiership title triumph in 1994/95 under Kenny Dalglish and alongside Ray Harford.
The Championship side confirmed the loss of a genuine club icon in a statement, which read: “Blackburn Rovers are devastated to learn of the passing of Tony Parkes. A true club legend, often referred to as ‘Mr Blackburn Rovers’, Tony passed away last night at the age of 76.
“Everyone at the club sends their deepest heartfelt condolences to Tony’s daughter Natalie and all his family and friends at this incredibly sad time.
“A special tribute will be held to celebrate Tony’s life and his outstanding contribution to the club’s history at our final home game of the season against Leicester City on Saturday May 2nd.”
Parkes represented and managed Rovers across three separate divisions, having initially signed for the club in 1970 from non-league Buxton Town for a fee of merely £5,000. He went on to make 409 appearances for Blackburn, scoring 46 goals.
After hanging up his boots in 1982, Parkes joined the coaching staff and stepped in as caretaker manager on six separate occasions. He took over from Bobby Saxton (December 1986 – February 1987), Don Mackay (September – October 1991), Ray Harford (October 1996 – June 1997), Roy Hodgson (November – December 1998), Brian Kidd (November 1999 – March 2000) and Graeme Souness (September 2004) following their respective departures.
Throughout his long association with the Ewood Park outfit, Parkes’ crowning achievement was playing his part in helping Dalglish’s side, spearheaded by Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton and bankrolled by local businessman Jack Walker, clinch the title in 1995 before the club embarked on a European campaign the following season.
Parkes subsequently became assistant manager at Blackpool in December 2005, helping the club secure promotion to the Championship during the 2006/07 season.
He was appointed caretaker manager of the Tangerines following Simon Grayson’s resignation in December 2008, though he departed the club the following summer.
Blackpool paid tribute on social media, writing: “Everyone at Blackpool FC is devastated to hear this news. Our love and best wishes go out to all of Tony’s family, friends and everyone at Blackburn Rovers.”
Parkes was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2020, and a Championship fixture between Blackburn and Blackpool was dedicated in his honour in April 2022. In his later years, he continued to make visits to Ewood Park alongside his daughter Natalie.
