Parkes & plight of ex-pros

FEW can forget the image of a youthful-looking Tony Parkes, alongside manager Kenny Dalglish and assistant Ray Harford, clutching the Premier League trophy.

Blackburn had taken on the football establishment in 1995 and lifted the title to gain a place in the game’s folklore. Parkes, a former player with more than 400 appearances for the club, went on to become an integral part of numerous coaching staffs and had six spells as caretaker boss.

‘Mr Blackburn’ was back at his beloved Ewood Park last Saturday, flanked by a board in the centre circle replicating a cheque for £12,000, courtesy of a benefactor who wished to remain anonymous.

But it’s a different Parkes (above) from his glory days. Alzheimer’s has taken its toll on the 72-year-old, who now resides in a care home.

Daughter Natalie Parkes-Thompson gave up her job as a teacher when Alzheimer’s took hold but, in the end, was forced to seek professional care.

She believes more could be done for her father and fellow sufferers, especially by the PFA. “A lot of these ex-professionals don’t have any money behind them now. There are many others who are suffering but haven’t yet come forward,” she said.