Phil Parkes, a Wolves great whose love never wavered | OneFootball

Phil Parkes, a towering Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper, is mourned, his passing leaving a deep void in the Wolves family.

He made over 380 appearances in 12 years, debuting at Preston in November 1966 after replacing the injured Fred Davies, then keeping the shirt until March 1978.

He made 127 straight league appearances from September 1970 to September 1973.

He played under Ronnie Allen, Bill McGarry and Sammy Chung, and saw off challengers, including Gary Pierce.

He excelled in the 1972 UEFA Cup, saving penalties home and away against Ferencvaros, though some blamed him for two goals Tottenham scored at Molineux in the final.

He played every game the following season as Wolves finished fifth.

Injury before Wembley in 1974 denied him the League Cup final after playing every round, and Pierce delivered a match-winning display against Manchester City. He later shared duties with Pierce before moving to Vancouver in 1978.

On the eve of that move he answered a plea from Chung to face West Ham and excelled in a 2-1 win. "It made sure that my first and last games for Wolves were both victories."

In North America he won the Soccer Bowl with Vancouver Whitecaps in 1979 and was named the league’s best keeper for three consecutive years.

His love for Wolves never faded. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023, he was cherished. After life-changing injuries in 2025 he showed dignity and resilience. Well played, Lofty, you are in safe hands now.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com

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