Tributes have been paid to a Premier League winning coach as his former club were left ‘devastated’ by the death of their legendary player and manager
11:10, 23 Apr 2026Updated 11:24, 23 Apr 2026
Tony Parkes has died at the age of 76
Blackburn Rovers have announced the death of club legend Tony Parkes at the age of 76.
Parkes, referred to as ‘Mr Blackburn Rovers’, played 12 years for Blackburn before stepping into the coaching staff at Ewood Park, and even took caretaker charge on multiple occasions between 1986 and 2004. He was a part of the coaching setup during Blackburn’s Premiership title win in 1994/95 under Kenny Dalglish and alongside Ray Harford.
The Championship club announced the passing of a true club legend in a statement, which read: “Blackburn Rovers are devastated to learn of the passing of Tony Parkes.
Tony Parkes won the league title with Blackburn in 1995 as a coach under Kenny Dalglish (Image: Getty Images)
“A true club legend, often referred to as ‘Mr Blackburn Rovers’, Tony passed away last night at the age of 76.
“Everyone at the club 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 our final home game of the season against Leicester City on Saturday May 2nd.”
Parkes stood in as Blackburn caretaker manager six times between 1986 and 2004(Image: Ross Kinnaird/Allsport)
Parkes played and managed Rovers across three different divisions having first joined the club in 1970 from non-league Buxton Town for a fee of just £5,000. He went on to play 409 times for Blackburn, scoring 46.
After hanging up his boots in 1982, Parkes joined the coaching team and stood in as caretaker manager six times. He took over from Bobby Saxton (December 1986 – February 1987), Don Mackay (September–October 1991), Ray Harford (October 1996 – June 1997), Roy Hodgson (November–December 1998), Brian Kidd (November 1999 – March 2000) and Graeme Souness (September 2004) after their departures.
Throughout his years at Ewood Park, Parkes’ biggest achievement was helping Dalglish’s side, spearheaded by Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton and funded by local businessman Jack Walker, win the title in 1995 before the club played in Europe the following campaign.
Parkes later became assistant manager at Blackpool in December 2005 and helped the club win promotion to the Championship in the 2006/07 season.
He was named caretaker manager of the Tangerines after Simon Grayson resigned in December 2008. However, he left the club the following summer.
More to follow…
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