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'This Tony Parkes is different' - Blackburn legend diagnosed with Alzheimer's

Blackburn Rovers club legend Tony Parkes has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, with his da...
Shane Hannon
Shane Hannon

13.22 3 Feb 2020


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'This Tony Parkes is different...

'This Tony Parkes is different' - Blackburn legend diagnosed with Alzheimer's

Shane Hannon
Shane Hannon

13.22 3 Feb 2020


Share this article


Blackburn Rovers club legend Tony Parkes has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, with his daughter Natalie saying her father now struggles to recall previous successes.

Parkes is now 70 years of age and played 350 games for the Ewood Park club before joining the coaching staff.

He played a key role in their 1995 Premier League title win under Kenny Dalglish and had several spells as caretaker manager.

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Parkes' daughter Natalie revealed the news in an interview with BBC Radio Lancashire, and she said it's had a huge impact on his life.

“It’s changed a lot for my dad. The words aren’t there, the memories aren’t always there.

“It’s sad because we’re watching these matches on the TV and he can’t always remember the details like he used to be able to.

“He used to remember everything about Blackburn, about when Kenny (Dalglish) was there, and how at every away match they’d be playing practical jokes on each other.

“It’s hard now because those memories have gone.”

Natalie also added that she feels as though she is grieving for her father since she heard the news late last year.

L-R Brian McClair, Assistant Manager, Brian Kidd, Blackburn Manager & Tony Parkes, Coach watch the match against Nottingham Forest

“I’m trying to come to terms with the fact that I lost my dad before Christmas.

“This Tony Parkes is different. He’s still got the glimmers there now and then, but it’s not the same person I grew up with.”

Parkes left Blackburn in 2004 and went on to join the coaching staff at Blackpool, where he served a stint as caretaker manager after Simon Grayson's departure, before leaving in mid-2009.

Former Blackburn star Alan Shearer has been one of those who has responded to the news, tweeting his sadness to see Parkes' health issues.

"So sad to see Tony suffering. Our Rovers dressing room loved him."


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