Many words have been used to describe the full-back who appeared more times for Wolves than any other player.
“Immaculate” and “consistent” spring readily to mind for a cool customer who always seemed to have time on the ball. He was decisive in the tackle and had a useful turn of speed.
When he was signed from Huddersfield Town in 1968, the fee of £80,000 was a record for a full-back. The Yorkshiremen have made a habit of producing full-backs, like Ron Staniforth, Ray Wilson and Bob McNab and it was surprising that Parkin did not emulate them by playing for England. He was certainly good enough, his calm presence making him the team’s “Mr Reliable”. Had it not been for a mystery illness in the 1972–3 season which caused him to miss over half the campaign, his appearance record would have been nearer 630 games. Parkin played in Wolves’ 1974 and 1980 Football League Cup-winning sides and five times made 50 or more appearances for the club in a single season.
Date of birth: January 2, 1948, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Years with Club: 1968 to 1982.
Club signed from: Huddersfield Town.
Appearances: 609.
Goals: 10.
International caps: 5 for England under-23.
