John Parkinson (1869 – 20 December 1911) was an English professional footballer.[1] He played as a forward.
 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | John Parkinson | ||
| Date of birth | 1869 | ||
| Place of birth | Blackpool, England | ||
| Date of death | 20 December 1911 (aged 41–42) | ||
| Place of death | Blackpool, England | ||
| Position(s) | Forward | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1896–1899 | Blackpool | 85 | (32) |
| 1899–1900 | Liverpool | 1 | (0) |
| 1900–1910 | Blackpool | 280 | (23) |
| 1910–19?? | Barrow | ? | (?) |
| Total | 366 | (55) | |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Career
editBorn in Blackpool, Lancashire, Parkinson, with fifteen goals, he was top scorer for his hometown club in 1896-97, their first-ever season in the Football League; indeed, he played in the club's first Football League game, against Lincoln City on 5 September 1896. He went on to make 365 appearances for the club.[1]
He played at either centre-forward or inside-right. Later, he became provider for prolific scorers such as Jack Cox and Bob Birkett. He then switched to a midfield position, and finally centre-half, as the selection committee felt that the modern game was becoming too fast-paced for a veteran forward.
In 1899-1900, after Blackpool failed to gain re-election to the League, Parkinson played one game for Liverpool, in the Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield, but returned to Blackpool a year later when they were permitted back into the League.[1] From then, he was a virtual ever-present until he joined Barrow as manager in 1910. He was the first Blackpool player to score fifty League goals and make 400 appearances.[2]
In April 1905, Parkinson was awarded a benefit match against Liverpool.[3]
Blackpool F.C. Hall of Fame
editParkinson was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Bloomfield Road, when it was officially opened by former Blackpool player Jimmy Armfield in April 2006.[1] Organised by the Blackpool Supporters Association, Blackpool fans around the world voted on their all-time heroes. Five players from each decade are inducted; Parkinson is in the pre-1950s.[4]
Personal life
editParkinson later became superintendent of Corporation baths in Blackpool's Cocker Street, and lost his life there in an accident on 20 December 1911.[1][2] He was attempting to rescue a colleague from a tank of boiling seawater when the plank on which he was standing snapped, sending Parkinson into the water as well.[3] He died shortly afterwards, aged 42.
References
edit- ^ a b c d e Singleton, Steve, ed. (2007). Legends: The great players of Blackpool FC (1 ed.). Blackpool: Blackpool Gazette. p. 7. ISBN 978-1-84547-182-8.
- ^ a b Gillatt, Peter (30 November 2009). Blackpool FC on This Day: History, Facts and Figures from Every Day of the Year. Pitch Publishing Ltd. ISBN 978-1-905411-50-4.
- ^ a b Calley, Roy (20 October 1992). Blackpool: A Complete Record 1887-1992. Breedon Books Publishing Co Ltd. ISBN 1-873626-07-X.
- ^ "The Hall Of Fame - pre 1950s". Blackpool Supporters Association. Archived from the original on 12 June 2010. Retrieved 29 November 2009.
Further reading
edit- Calley, Roy (20 October 1992). Blackpool: A Complete Record 1887-1992. Breedon Books Publishing Co Ltd. ISBN 1-873626-07-X.
- Singleton, Steve, ed. (2007). Legends: The great players of Blackpool FC (1 ed.). Blackpool: Blackpool Gazette. ISBN 978-1-84547-182-8.