JOE PARKINSON

[alan ball]

Former player takes up role in Club’s new Academy



Former Latics midfielder Joe Parkinson has returned to the Club, taking up a role on the coaching staff at the Academy.




Working with a number of his former team-mates such as current Under 18s Coach John Doolan, Neill Rimmer, Peter Atherton and Kevin Langley, Parkinson will be working with the Club’s young talent at John Rigby College where the Academy is based.




The 41-year-old began his career at Wigan Athletic, progressing through the ranks before making his First Team debut in September 1988 against Blackpool.




Parkinson scored his first Latics goal in a 1-0 away win at Mansfield in 1989 and would go on to make 115 league appearances before moving to Bournemouth in 1993.




He later moved to Everton where he helped the Toffees lift the FA Cup in 1995 alongside current Latics Academy Manager Matt Jackson, before being forced to retire through injury at the age of 28.




Upon his return, Parkinson said:




“Coming into work, getting your boots on and heading out to take sessions gives me such a buzz, and I’m made up to be back at Wigan Athletic doing exactly that.




“This club was a huge part of my playing career, so to be offered the chance to give something back was important and made the role that little bit extra special.â€￾

 

[dion]

Good luck to him. Was quality for us and one that doesn't get the credit that he deserved. Lost player? Any more you can think of?

 

[Neiler]

Defo one of my all time fav Everton players - he was mega.

Great to see hes still involved in the game and is making a career for himself after injury cut his footballing career short.

What did Big Joe say after we stuffed Norway in the derby, "A Crisp Packet blew across the pitch and both Horne and Parkinson went to tackle it"

Dogs of War!

 

[tommye]

made up for him. Great fella and could play footy a bit too. Best of luck to him.

 

[Cena]

Good luck to him.

Still an Evertonian and always will be

 

[bluejock]

Nice one Bally. Best of luck to him.

 

[Tubey]

He was fantastic for us in midfield. A very good player in the midst of a pile of crap that was our team in the early to mid-90's. His work ethic was second to none.

Good to see him back.

 

[Neiler]

He headed up Everton in the community for a while as well - or is my memory shot.

 

[formerly manx toffee]

Good to see he stil has the passion. Good luck to him.

 

[mawders]

didnt he used to play footy with the kids in the park in Maghull....like they used to knock on his door and ask if he was coming out and he used to go and play with them

One of the genuine good guys...made up he got to win something with us

 

[BoysInBlue]

Made up for him.

Remember seeing a 'Where are they now' Sky programme on him a few years back, and was saddened to see him working as a part time forklift truck driver in a warehouse. He wasn't desperate for money, but he needed something to keep himself occupied. He had Sharpy's job as Everton Fans Liason Officer, but he hated working out of an office, and didn't like having to attend the various functions and things such as funerals, it just wasn't a role for him.

Good to see him back in football. Wish him well.

Loads of former Blues are coaches now. In addition to the above at Wigan, Matt Jackson is also there, as Wigan's equivalent in the 'Sharpy role', and there's Dave Watson as the Academy boss at Newcastle. Neil Adams is also the U-18's coach at Norwich's Academy too.

 

[Groucho]

He headed up Everton in the community for a while as well - or is my memory shot.

Fan's liaison officer, you're right.

I wish him well

 

[Gwladys St. Glory]

Best of luck to him, Joe was the shizzle...solid pro.

 

[Nedakey2004]

Was a favourite back in the day and still is, good luck to the lad

 

[TippEverton]

First players name I had on my shirt , good luck to him .