Alex Parker


Alexander Hershaw Parker was a Scottish football player and manager. Parker played for Falkirk, Everton and Scotland, amongst others. Parker was named in Falkirk's Team of the Millennium and Everton's Hall of Fame.

Playing career

Falkirk

Parker, a fullback, began his career with Kello Rovers, turning semi-professional when he joined Falkirk in 1952. The highlight of Parker's time with the Bairns was their 1957 Scottish Cup victory, as they defeated Kilmarnock in a replayed final.

Everton

Parker moved to Merseyside in June 1958 when Everton paid £18,000 in a double signing of Parker and Eddie O'Hara both from Falkirk. Parker's Toffees debut was delayed by his requirement to fulfil National Service in Cyprus. He eventually became a stalwart in the side which won the 1962–63 league championship, finishing six points ahead of runners-up Tottenham.
After this triumph, however, hamstring injuries started to trouble Parker, and he left Goodison Park in 1965.

Southport

He joined Southport for £2,000. He stayed 3 years with the Sandgrounders.

Ballymena United

Parker next moved to Northern Ireland to become player-manager of Ballymena United.

Drumcondra

He signed for Drumcondra F.C. in December 1969 and made his League of Ireland debut at Tolka Park on 4 January 1970 in a 3–1 defeat to Dundalk. He left for after only three months to return to the UK.

International

Parker gained his first cap for Scotland against Portugal in 1955 while playing for Falkirk. He was selected in the squad for the 1958 FIFA World Cup, making one appearance against Paraguay. This also transpired to be his final national team cap, which some regarded as "perverse"; former teammate Alex Young stated that Parker was still the best player in his position in Britain. Parker also represented the Scottish League XI.

Southport manager

Parker returned to Souhtport where he was given a coaching role. Two months later he was promoted to manager but this appointment lasted only a single season.

After football

After his retirement from the footballing world, Parker became a publican in Runcorn. He then lived in Gretna, Dumfriesshire.
Parker died of a heart attack on 7 January 2010.

Career statistics

International appearances

Honours

;Falkirk
;Everton