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Remembering 'Mr Blackburn Rovers': Tony Parkes, Club Icon
23 Apr
Summary
- Tony Parkes, known as 'Mr Blackburn Rovers', passed away at 76.
- He had a lengthy association with the club from 1970 to 2004.
- Parkes played 409 games, scored 46 goals, and had multiple caretaker roles.
Blackburn Rovers is mourning the loss of Tony Parkes, a true club legend often hailed as "Mr Blackburn Rovers," who passed away at 76. Parkes' enduring connection with the club began with his transfer from Buxton in 1970 and continued until 2004, marking him as one of its longest-serving employees.
As a player, Parkes made 409 appearances, scoring 46 goals. He was part of the team that secured the Third Division title in 1975 and earned promotion back to the second tier. After retiring as a player in 1982, he transitioned into coaching roles.
Parkes served six spells as caretaker manager, notably steering the club away from relegation danger in the 1996-97 season. He was also part of the backroom staff when Blackburn Rovers lifted the Premier League title in 1995.
Following his departure from Ewood Park in 2004, Parkes scouted for Leicester and later served as assistant manager and caretaker manager at Blackpool. Blackburn Rovers will hold a special tribute for him at their final home game on May 2.
