Blackburn Rovers announced the death of Tony Parkes, a club legend often referred to as 'Mr Blackburn Rovers', at the age of 76, according to the club. Parkes spent 34 years at the club as a player and coach, and was part of Kenny Dalglish's staff when Blackburn won the Premier League in 1995, as reported by the club. He also served as caretaker manager on six occasions between 1986 and 2004, according to the club.
Tributes poured in from former colleagues. Alan Shearer paid tribute to Parkes on X, calling him 'a great man', as reported by Shearer. Chris Sutton described Parkes as 'a great player and coach with a wonderful sense of humour' and said he was 'Mr Blackburn', according to Sutton. Kenny Dalglish called him 'a fantastic man who I had the privilege of working alongside at Blackburn. Loyal, dedicated and someone who gave everything to the club', as reported by Dalglish. After leaving Blackburn, Parkes later joined Blackpool and was caretaker manager during the 2008-09 season, helping them avoid relegation from the Championship, according to reports.
Blackburn Rovers are devastated to learn of the passing of Tony Parkes. A true club legend, often referred to as 'Mr Blackburn Rovers', Tony passed away last night at the age of 76. 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. A special tribute will be held to celebrate Tony's life and his outstanding contribution to the club’s history at Rovers' final home game of the season against Leicester City on Saturday May 2.
Blackburn Rovers will hold a special tribute to Parkes at their final home game of the season against Leicester City on Saturday May 2, the club said. The club stated: 'A special tribute will be held to celebrate Tony's life and his outstanding contribution to the club’s history.' In 2022, Parkes' daughter Natalie launched a fundraiser to help with his care costs, according to reports. She revealed that due to Alzheimer's, her father would forget her, although he would reminisce about the past, as reported by Natalie. The exact cause and date of Parkes' death have not been confirmed.
RIP Tony. A great man.
Really sad news to hear of Tony Parkes passing away. Tony was a great player and coach for Rovers with a wonderful sense of humour. He was Mr Blackburn and will be sorely missed. Thoughts and prayers go out to Natalie and the Parkes family.
Very sad to hear about the passing of Tony Parkes. A fantastic man who I had the privilege of working alongside at Blackburn. Loyal, dedicated and someone who gave everything to the club. My thoughts are with his family and everyone connected with Blackburn Rovers. RIP Tony.