Tributes have been paid to Tony Parkes, the former Blackburn Rovers player and coach known as 'Mr Blackburn Rovers', who has died at the age of 76. Parkes was one of the longest-serving employees in the club's history, with his association beginning with his £5,000 move from Buxton in 1970 and concluding in 2004.
A club statement said: 'Blackburn Rovers are devastated to learn of the passing of Tony Parkes. A true club legend, often referred to as Mr Blackburn Rovers. Everyone at Blackburn Rovers sends their deepest heartfelt condolences to Tony’s daughter Natalie and all his family and friends at this incredibly sad time.'
Parkes was part of the team that won the Third Division title in 1975 and secured immediate promotion back to the second tier after relegation in 1979. He retired in 1982 having scored 46 goals in 409 appearances for the club, then became first-team coach under Bobby Saxton and served six spells as caretaker manager. He was also part of the backroom staff when Blackburn won the Premier League in 1995.
The most significant caretaker stint came in the 1996-97 season after Ray Harford's departure, when he steered the club away from relegation. After leaving Ewood Park in 2004, Parkes worked as a scout for Leicester before becoming assistant manager to Simon Grayson at Blackpool, where he later had a spell in caretaker charge.
Blackburn will pay a special tribute to Parkes at their final home game of the season against Leicester on 2 May. Supporters have been invited to lay floral tributes at the Jack Walker statue at Ewood Park, where a book of condolence will be open from Friday.
Former players, including Alan Shearer, Kevin Gallacher, Chris Sutton, and Sir Kenny Dalglish, paid their respects, with Dalglish calling him 'a fantastic man' who was 'loyal, dedicated and someone who gave everything to the club'.
