Wolves mourn record-holder Phil Parkes as tributes paid after death aged 79 | OneFootball

Wolverhampton has paid tribute to former Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Phil Parkes, who has died aged 79. The long-serving stopper spent 18 years at Molineux, making 382 appearances.

The club said in a statement that its thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones, and that details of further tributes will follow.

Parkes joined Wolves as a schoolboy in 1960 and turned professional in 1964. He debuted in November 1966 against Preston North End, saving a penalty in a 3-2 win.

He became a mainstay under Bill McGarry. In the early 1970s he played 127 consecutive league matches, a club record that still stands.

He was pivotal in Europe, saving two penalties against Ferencvaros in the UEFA Cup semi-final as Wolves reached their first European final, before finishing runners-up to Tottenham Hotspur.

Two years later he featured in every round of the 1974 League Cup run but missed the Wembley final through injury, as Wolves beat Manchester City 2-1.

His final seasons brought competition with Gary Pierce and Paul Bradshaw, and his last Wolves appearance came in a win at West Ham United in March 1978. He later played in North America. He was later inducted into the Wolves Hall of Fame.

After retiring he returned to Wolverhampton, served on the Wolves Former Players' Association committee and remained a familiar face at Molineux. A serious fall last year led to emergency back surgery and a lengthy spell under medical supervision. He stayed closely connected with the club and supporters.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com

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