Alex Parker
Alexander Hershaw Parker | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Scotland |
| Died | January 7, 2010 (aged 74) |
| Occupation(s) | Professional footballer, football manager, publican |
| Years active | 1952–1970 (player), post-1970 (manager) |
| Known for | Playing for Falkirk, Everton, Southport; managing Southport and Ballymena United; Scotland national team player |
Alexander Hershaw Parker (2 August 1935 – 7 January 2010) was a Scottish professional footballer and manager. His playing career included spells at Falkirk, Everton, and the Scotland national team. Parker earned a place in Falkirk's Team of the Millennium and was inducted into Everton's Hall of Fame.
Falkirk
Starting as a fullback, Parker began his football journey with Kello Rovers before advancing to semi-professional status by signing with Falkirk in 1952. A significant achievement during his time with the Bairns was securing the 1957 Scottish Cup, overcoming Kilmarnock in a replayed final.
Everton
In June 1958, Parker transferred to Merseyside when Everton acquired him and Eddie O'Hara from Falkirk for a combined fee of £18,000. His Everton debut was postponed due to National Service duties in Cyprus. He became an integral member of the Everton team that clinched the English league title in the 1962–63 season, finishing six points clear of second-placed Tottenham. Unfortunately, recurring hamstring injuries later hindered his form, prompting his exit from Goodison Park in 1965.
Southport
Parker then signed for Southport at a transfer cost of £2,000 and spent three seasons with the Sandgrounders.
Ballymena United
Following this period, he took on a player-manager role at Northern Ireland’s Ballymena United.
Drumcondra
In December 1969, Parker joined Drumcondra F.C., making his debut in the League of Ireland on 4 January 1970 at Tolka Park, where Drumcondra suffered a 3–1 defeat to Dundalk. After approximately three months, he returned to the United Kingdom.
International
While playing for Falkirk, Parker earned his first cap for Scotland in a match against Portugal in 1955. He was included in Scotland’s squad for the 1958 FIFA World Cup, appearing once against Paraguay—this match marked his final international appearance. Some regarded his omission from further national selection as "perverse," with former teammate Alex Young asserting that Parker remained the finest fullback in Britain at the time. In addition, Parker represented the Scottish Football League XI during his career.
Southport manager
After retiring as a player, Parker returned to Southport initially as a coach before being appointed manager two months later. His managerial stint lasted only one season.
After football
Upon retiring from football management, Parker pursued a career as a publican based in Runcorn and later lived in Gretna, Dumfriesshire. He passed away on 7 January 2010 due to a heart attack.
International appearances
| Scotland national team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Appearances | Goals |
| 1955 | 5 | 0 |
| 1956 | 5 | 0 |
| 1957 | 3 | 0 |
| 1958 | 2 | 0 |
| Total | 15 | 0 |
Honours
- Falkirk
- Scottish Cup: 1956–57
- Everton
- Football League First Division: 1962–63
- FA Charity Shield: 1963
- Southport
- Promotion from Football League Fourth Division: 1966–67
- Scotland
- Shared victory in the British Home Championship: 1955–56
- Individual
- Awarded Rex Kingsley Footballer of the Year: 1957
- Inducted into Falkirk FC Hall of Fame
- Member of Gwladys Street's Hall of Fame
- Selected for Falkirk FC Millennium XI