Tony Parkes, the former Blackburn Rovers player and coach affectionately known as 'Mr Blackburn Rovers', has died at the age of 76. The club confirmed his passing on Thursday morning, paying tribute to a true club legend.
A lifelong association with Blackburn Rovers
Parkes' association with Blackburn Rovers began in 1970 when he joined from Buxton for a fee of £5,000. He went on to become one of the longest-serving employees in the club's history, with his tenure spanning over three decades until 2004.
As a player, Parkes made 409 appearances for the club, scoring 46 goals. He was part of the team that won the Third Division title in 1975 and secured immediate promotion back to the second tier following relegation in 1979.
Transition to coaching and caretaker roles
After retiring from playing in 1982, Parkes moved into coaching, serving as first-team coach under new manager Bobby Saxton. He would go on to undertake six spells as caretaker manager, with the most notable coming in the 1996-97 season when he steered the club away from relegation danger following the departure of Ray Harford.
Parkes was also a vital part of the backroom staff when Blackburn Rovers famously lifted the Premier League trophy in 1995 under manager Kenny Dalglish.
Later career and tributes
After leaving Ewood Park in 2004, Parkes worked as a scout for Leicester City before becoming assistant manager to Simon Grayson at Blackpool, where he later had a spell in caretaker charge.
Blackburn Rovers announced that a special tribute will be held to celebrate Parkes' life and his outstanding contribution to the club's history at their final home game of the season against Leicester City on Saturday, May 2nd.
The club statement 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.'
