His Career Highlights

When Gordon Lee joined Newcastle United in 1975, he wanted to sign Tony Parkes, but the club turned them down. Former England manager Terry Venables had also tried to sign him for Queen's Park Rangers. In his twelve years of Rovers player career from 1970 to 1982, Parkes scored 38 goals in 350 appearances.

In the early 1980s, Parkes joined the backroom staff under manager Bobby Saxton. After Saxton left the club, Parkes became the caretaker manager while the club await the appointment of a new gaffer.

Liverpool great Kenny Dalglish was unveiled as the new manager in the 1990s. Kenny had only agreed to accept the job on the condition that Parkes remained part of his backroom staff. Kenny said:"I had total trust in Tony and his opinion... Although I was bringing Ray Harford in with me, it was important to have someone with Blackburn roots and they don't get any deeper than in Tony Parkes." The three men transformed Rovers from a once unfashionable Second Division club into the Champions of England.

In October 1996, Kenny's successor Ray Harford resigned and left the club at rock bottom of the Premiership table. Parkes stepped forward as caretaker for the rest of the season - a total of 28 games - and led the team to 13th place, and safety. It was Parkes' greatest ever achievement, and Jack Walker broke down in tears in the dressing room.

Assistant manager Brian Kidd left Manchester United to take charge at Blackburn Rovers in December 1998, but the club was relegated and Kidd was dismissed on 3 November 1999 after the side performed poorly in Division One. After Kidd left in 1999, Parkes managed Rovers this time for 26 games.

When Graeme Souness was appointed the manager, Tony Parkes was made his assistant manager. Jack Walker, the club owner was influential in ensuring there was a place for Parkes in the new structure of the club. "I am delighted that Tony is to stay on with us. Twice in recent seasons he has helped to guide us away from the possible threat of relegation and done really well."

Following the departure of Souness to Newcastle United, Parkes was appointed as caretaker manager for the sixth time. Wales manager Mark Hughes took over management shortly. In late 2004, to the surprise of the supporters, the Ewood favourite was dismissed when Hughes decided to bring in his own backroom team.

Over the years, the trusted steward filled in the managerial positions of Bobby Saxton, Don Mackay, Ray Harford, Roy Hodgson, Brian Kidd, and Graeme Souness, serving no less than 16 different managers as a valued player and great coach. Tony Parkes is currently assistant manager of Simon Grayson (former Rovers player who played in the Tony Parkes Testimonal match) at Blackpool Football Club.

More than 13,500 fans turned up for Tony Parkes' testimonial match at Ewood Park to pay homeage. And Kenny Dalglish led the PARKES Starting Eleven Heroes including Simon Garner, Alan Shearer and more. Even Tim Sherwood and Jason Wilcox, who were both injured and couldn't play, came back to be part of the night.

ROVERS XI- Mark Hughes:
Brad Friedel (sub Peter Enckelman 38 mins), Ryan Nelsen (sub Martin Taylor 46 mins), Andy Todd (sub Tony Kane 46 mins), Craig Short (sub Joel Byrom 74 mins), Jay McEveley (sub Craig Barr 58 mins), Aaron Mokoena (sub Gary Harkins 46 mins), Jonathan Douglas (sub Sergio Peter 58 mins), Johnson (sub Joe Garner 72 mins), Jonathan Stead (sub Matt Derbyshire 58 mins), Tugay Kerimoglu (sub Gary Stopforth 66 mins), Paul Gallagher.

PARKES XI - Kenny Dalglish:
Tim Flowers, Simon Grayson, Colin Hendry, David May, Kevin Hird (sub Ciaran Donnelly 46 mins), Stuart Ripley (sub Paul Dalglish 46 mins), Gordon Cowans, Mark Atkins (sub Ian Miller 69 mins), Kevin Gallacher (sub Mark Patterson 69 mins), Mike Newell (sub David Speedie 46 mins), Alan Shearer (sub Simon Garner 80 mins).

Final Score: ROVERS XI 7 - 3 PARKES XI

As the final whistle blew, everyone stood to saluted Tony, who was obviously emotional as he came onto the pitch to accept their cheers. The game marked the official end of his 34 year association with Blackburn Rovers.

Alan Shearer said: "To serve one club for 34 years is incredible and I don't think that will ever be done again. I think every football club needs a person like Tony Parkes in it. Tony probably knows more corridors in Ewood Park than anyone and he really deserves the send off he got here tonight."

Parkes said: "Rovers have been great with me and I have many, many happy memories which can never be erased. I want the fans, who have also been fantastic towards me, to know that I have no animosity whatsoever".

This author did the page with tears. Ininix.com salutes the true Blue & White - Tony Parkes.