| Tony Parkes 08:41 - Feb 3 with 234 views | BringBackTheRedRoom |
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| ‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’ |
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| Tony Parkes on 09:12 - Feb 3 with 224 views | janegallagher |
Just seen that. What a genuinely lovely guy he is and looks like his daughter will take good care of him.
All the very best Tony | |
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| Tony Parkes on 09:16 - Feb 3 with 224 views | spell_chekker |
What a shame, crappy things like that happen to the best of us.
Lord knows what'll happen to me in my later years.
It's good to see him being well looked after by he daughter, how old is Tony now? | |
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| Tony Parkes on 12:32 - Feb 3 with 218 views | Imperial |
He is 70. A gentleman who showed his loyalty to his clubs and someone who I respect and admire. | | | |
| Tony Parkes on 17:40 - Feb 3 with 204 views | Lala |
It’s very sad isn’t it. Live your life fully but fairly I say. No regrets. | |
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| Tony Parkes on 19:35 - Feb 3 with 196 views | BringBackTheRedRoom |
Blackpool boss Simon Grayson speaks of respect for Tony Parkes following news of 70-year-old's Alzheimer's diagnosis
Simon Grayson has spoken of his respect for Tony Parkes following the news his former assistant manager at Blackpool has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
Parkes became Blackpool's assistant manager in 2005 shortly after Grayson was appointed as caretaker manager in his first stint at Bloomfield Road.
He helped the club clinch promotion to the Championship during the 2006/07 campaign before being installed as the club's caretaker boss a year later after Grayson made the move to Leeds United.
Parkes, with Steve Thompson as his assistant, led the Seasiders to a 16th placed finish in the Championship.
After discussions with Karl Oyston during the summer, Parkes departed following a disagreement with then chairman Karl Oyston.
It is said that during his time at Bloomfield Road Parkes laid the foundations for Ian Holloway to come in and take the club up to the Premier League.
Speaking today, Grayson said: "It's terrible news about Tony suffering from this horrible illness and it puts a lot of things into perspective when you hear news like this," he said.
"Tony was a massive part of my first time here with the experience he brought to the table.
"I wish him massive good luck with everything and my thoughts are with his family as well, because it's something no-one deserves to suffer from.
"Unfortunately it's part and parcel of life in this day and age, but hopefully they can find a solution to this problem."
Parkes is considered a club legend at Blackburn Rovers, having made 350 appearances for the Ewood Park club during a 12-year stint.
He spent a further 22 years there as a coach, often stepping in for caretaker roles.
Grayson added: "When I was a player at Blackburn he was always there to take over the reins when managers lost their jobs.
"I had a huge amount of respect with him from the experience he had as a coach, from the good managers he worked with - people like Roy Hodgson, Kenny Dalglish and many, many others.
"He was there for everybody, he was Mr Blackburn Rovers.
"We've just got to make sure he's in good hands with everybody that he's connected with.
"Incidents like this with Tony and the unfortunate incident at Wycombe last week with the supporter losing his life put a lot of things into perspective. Life is more important than many other things.
"I'm sure Tony will be getting a huge amount of support from close friends, people at Blackburn and many other clubs because he was, and still is, a very well-respected football person.
"That's especially the case here in the North West, where he spent most of his working days.
"I'm sure people will be digging deep, rallying round and trying to help in as many ways as possible."
https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/blackpool-boss-si | |
| ‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’ |
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| Tony Parkes on 06:29 - Feb 4 with 189 views | BringBackTheRedRoom |
Blackpool legends pay tribute to former manager Tony Parkes as his daughter opens up on Alzheimer's diagnosis
A number of Blackpool legends have paid tribute to former manager Tony Parkes after the 70-year-old's daughter revealed he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
Parkes, who managed the Seasiders between 2008 and 2009, was visibly emotional as his daughter Natalie Parkes detailed his struggles.
Speaking to BBC Radio Lancashire, she said: "Things are a lot different now for my dad. We've had quite a few big changes over the last couple of years.
"It started slowly but it's very apparent now - he recently had a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
"It's changed a lot of things, his independence being the big one. He now no longer feels comfortable doing things by himself. He likes to be with me a lot.
"He looks fine - but it's when you try and have a conversation the words aren't always there, the memories aren't always there."
Natalie has taken on the responsibility of looking after her dad since in recent times, giving up her job as a teacher, but is grateful for the support provided from The Sporting Memories Foundation.
The organisation is the world's first charity dedicated to sports reminiscence and physical activities, supporting older people with dementia, depression and loneliness by engaging them in social activities and helping them to recall memories of watching or playing sport.
Parkes is considered a club legend at Blackburn Rovers, having made 350 appearances for the Ewood Park club during a 12-year stint.
He spent a further 22 years there as a coach, often stepping in for caretaker roles.
Parkes became Blackpool's assistant manager in 2005 shortly after Simon Grayson was appointed as caretaker manager in his first stint at Bloomfield Road.
He helped the club clinch promotion to the Championship during the 2006/07 campaign before being installed as the club's caretaker boss a year later after Grayson made the move to Leeds United.
Parkes, with Steve Thompson as his assistant, led the Seasiders to a 16th placed finish in the Championship.
After discussions with Karl Oyston during the summer, Parkes departed following a disagreement with then chairman Karl Oyston.
It is said that during his time at Bloomfield Road Parkes laid the foundations for Ian Holloway to come in and take the club up to the Premier League.
Gary Taylor-Fletcher was among the Blackpool legends to send their best wishes to Parkes.
Writing on Twitter, 'GTF' wrote: "What a gentleman. Tony was a big influence in what we achieved at Blackpool and him and Tommo deserve a lot of the credit for keeping us up and bringing Charlie Adam and DJ Campbell to the club.
"Everyone knows how the rest of the story goes. Champ play-offs to the Prem."
Charlie Adam added: "So sad to see this great man suffering from Alzheimer’s.
"He gave me the opportunity to come to Blackpool. He steadied the club at a very tough time.
"Very good coach and well respected in the game. Keep fighting TONY."
Ian Evatt commented: "What an absolute gentleman.
He was a huge influence at the beginning of the Blackpool journey. He was always calm, assured and gave great advice.
"Thinking of you Tony."
Andy Morrell wrote: "What a guy. Learnt a lot off him when I was at Blackpool. Dry sense of humour too!"
Shaun Barker said: "Tough to watch this. Tony was a huge part of my time at Blackpool.
"He did a remarkable job taking over from Simon Grayson. Managing to keep the club in the Championship that season was huge!"
https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/blackpool-legends | |
| ‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’ |
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| Tony Parkes on 19:39 - Sep 20 with 115 views | spell_chekker |
Does anyone know how Tony's getting on?
He's got a big fight on his hands. | |
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