Blackburn Rovers legend Tony Parkes has died aged 76, the club have confirmed.
And his fellow club legend Alan Shearer has led tributes with a heartfelt assessment, calling him a ‘great man’.
Parkes enjoyed a 34-year association with the Lancashire club as a player and manager.
The Sheffield-born midfielder joined Rovers in 1970 and made more than 400 appearance for them until 1982.
After his retirement, he went into coaching and worked under Kenny Dalglish during their 1994-95 Premier-League winning season.
He also served as the club’s caretaker boss on six occasions between 1986 and 2004, taking charge of 74 games in total.
Blackburn’s legendary former player and coach Tony Parkes, pictured in 2020, has died aged 76
Parkes, left, was part of Kenny Dalglish’s staff at Blackburn when they won the Premier League in 1994-95
In 2020 he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and his daughter Natalie launched a fundraiser in 2022 to help with the ongoing cost of his care.
Natalie recalled in 2024 how even though Parkes would forget her, he still remembered his beloved football club.
And in 2020, she said: ‘Things are a lot different now for my dad. We’ve had quite a few big changes over the last couple of years. It started slowly but it’s very apparent now – he recently had a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
‘It’s changed a lot of things for my dad, his independence being the big one. He now no longer feels comfortable doing things by himself. He likes to be with me a lot.’
During the interview, Natalie admitted it felt like she had ‘lost her dad’, causing Tony to well up with tears. He said little during the interview, but revealed that he gets frustrated when he can’t remember a particular match he was involved in.
He added: ‘I like to go on walks. That’s my big thing and we have lovely times.’
Tributes have poured in for the fan favourite.
Rovers wrote: ‘Blackburn Rovers are devastated to learn of the passing of Tony Parkes.
Parkes was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2020 (pictured with Graeme Souness)
‘A true club legend, often referred to as ‘Mr Blackburn Rovers’, Tony passed away last night at the age of 76.’
They added: ‘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 2nd.’
Tributes have been pouring in for Parkes since news of his passing broke.
Shearer, who played for Blackburn in the triumphant 1994-95 season, wrote on X: ‘RIP Tony. A great man.’
Chris Sutton, Shearer’s strike partner that campaign, added: ‘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.’
Parkes also spent 23 games in charge of Blackpool as caretaker manager in the 2008-09 campaign, helping them to safety in the Championship.
Parkes took charge of Blackburn as caretaker boss on six occasions between 1986 and 2004
The Tangerines wrote on X: ‘Everyone at Blackpool FC is devastated to hear this news.
‘Our love and best wishes go out to all of Tony’s family, friends and everyone at Blackburn Rovers.’
One Blackburn fan podcast wrote: ‘Absolutely devastating. The term legend is thrown around but Tony IS a true Rovers legend. Player. Coach. Manager. Man. A true hero. RIP Tony. Thank you.’
A fan wrote: ‘The word legend is said way to much these days. But this man really was a Blackburn Rovers legend. Will be an emotional day vs Leicester remembering the great man. Rest in peace Tony. Go and enjoy the best seat in the house with Uncle Jack.
Another said: ‘So very sad to learn of the passing of Tony Parkes. What a wonderful contribution he made to the history of our club. The Leicester game can be in full dedication to Tony without the distraction of potential relegation.’
Some supporters have called for one of the stands at WWeood Park to be renamed in honour of Parkes.
