Scott Parker

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For other people named Scott Parker, see Scott Parker (disambiguation).
Scott Parker

Parker with England at the UEFA Euro 2012
Personal information
Full nameScott Matthew Parker
Date of birth (1980-10-13) 13 October 1980
Place of birthLambeth, London, England[1]
Height1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)[2]
Playing positionMidfielder
Club information
Current clubFulham
Number28
Youth career
1990–1997Charlton Athletic
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps†(Gls)†
1997–2004Charlton Athletic128(9)
2000→ Norwich City (loan)6(1)
2004–2005Chelsea15(1)
2005–2007Newcastle United55(4)
2007–2011West Ham United113(10)
2011–2013Tottenham Hotspur50(0)
2013–Fulham16(2)
National team‡
1996–1997England U165(0)
1998–1999England U184(0)
2000–2002England U219(0)
2003–England18(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 19:55, 27 December 2013 (UTC).

† Appearances (Goals).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 22:59, 8 October 2013 (UTC)

Scott Matthew Parker (born 13 October 1980) is an English footballer who plays for Premier League club Fulham. He has previously played for Charlton Athletic, Norwich City, Chelsea, Newcastle United, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur. He was the FWA Footballer of the Year for the 2010–11 season. He has represented England at every level from under-16 to senior. Uniquely, he won his first four England caps while playing for four different clubs.[3] He is known as a tough tackling central midfielder.[4]

Early life

Parker was born in Lambeth, London,[1] and attended Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham College in New Cross Gate. As a 13-year old, he appeared in a well-known British advert for McDonald's, in which he played keepie uppie, during the 1994 FIFA World Cup campaign.[5] Parker is a graduate of The Football Association's now-defunct national School of Excellence at Lilleshall.[1]

Club career

Charlton Athletic

After graduating from Lilleshall, Parker signed for Charlton Athletic as a trainee and made his first team debut as a substitute against Bury[1] in the First Division on 23 August 1997, a game which ended 0–0. He signed his first professional contract with the club two months later.[1] Over the next couple of years he made only a few sporadic substitute appearances for Charlton, although he was one of the brightest prospects in English football. In October 2000 Charlton, then in the Premier League, loaned Parker to First Division side Norwich City[6] for two months to give the England under-21 international some first team experience. At Norwich he scored once against Sheffield Wednesday.[7] On his return to The Valley, Parker was immediately called into the first team to replace injured captain Mark Kinsella. Parker played so well for Charlton that, upon his return from injury, Kinsella could not regain his place in the starting line-up. Parker soon became the linchpin of Charlton's midfield, combining tenacious tackling with an ability to carry the ball quickly from defence to attack and play telling passes, creating many chances for his teammates. He played 145 times for Charlton, scoring 10 goals.[1]

Chelsea

Parker, who had been consistently linked with moves away from Charlton for several years, finally left the Valley on 30 January 2004 to join Chelsea on a four-and-a-half-year contract for a fee of £10 million[8] after a protracted and acrimonious transfer saga. Alan Curbishley, the Charlton manager, criticised his attitude following news of Chelsea's interest, accusing him of bad behaviour and saying that "...his conduct in training has not been what it should have been."[9] Parker was initially signed as cover for Claude Makélélé and Frank Lampard, but did not get too many chances to play in his preferred position. He scored his only goal for Chelsea against Portsmouth at Fratton Park.[10] At the end of the 2003–04 season Parker was named as the PFA Young Player of the Year.[11]

Following the summer signings of Arjen Robben, and Tiago Mendes, Parker's first team opportunities were extremely limited during the 2004–05 season. Although he found first team opportunities hard to come by at Chelsea, he was a regular starter in Chelsea's League Cup matches, a competition where he played in 3 consecutive victories against West Ham,[12] Newcastle[13] and Fulham.[14] His problems were compounded when he broke a metatarsal bone in a game against his former club, Norwich City.[15] Due to this injury Parker missed both legs of the 2004-05 League Cup semi final against Man Utd and he also missed the 2005 League Cup final against Liverpool although he took part in the celebrations and was awarded a winners medal during the trophy presentation. Having made only four league appearances for Chelsea during the season, he did not receive a Premier League winner's medal as the club won the English title for the first time in 50 years, as he did not make the required 10 appearances to be eligible, though Chelsea did have a replica medal made.[16]

Newcastle United

Parker was sold the following summer, moving to Newcastle United in July 2005 for a fee of £6.5 million.[17] Parker became a regular in the Newcastle first team and was one of the few players at the club to show any consistency during an often difficult season in which Newcastle finished in seventh place, despite having a very poor start under Graeme Souness. His first Newcastle goal came against his former club Charlton in a 3–1 defeat.[18] In March 2006 he was diagnosed with glandular fever, putting an end to his season.[19] The timing was especially unfortunate for Parker, who had been playing well for Newcastle, as it ended any hopes he may have had of forcing his way into the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

In July 2006, he was named Newcastle United's new captain by manager Glenn Roeder.[20] His first goal as captain came against Wigan Athletic in August 2006.[21] Parker scored his second goal of the season against Fulham in September 2006, but after he was substituted Newcastle conceded 2 goals and subsequently lost the game.[22] Despite Newcastle's poor form, his performances earned him a recall to the England squad in September after an absence of more than two years. In November, Parker scored a goal in the 116th minute against Watford in the League Cup and then scored in the penalty shoot-out to allow Newcastle to progress in the competition.[23] He scored his fourth goal of the 2006–07 season against Tottenham Hotspur in December 2006.[24]

Scott Parker was found to be the second best player in the country for December 2006 by Sky Sports and Opta Index. He led Newcastle on their way to UEFA Intertoto Cup victory and was presented with the Intertoto Cup plaque in March 2007 before the UEFA Cup first leg tie with AZ, which Newcastle won after a thrilling finish.

West Ham United

Scott Parker playing for West Ham, May 2011

In June 2007, West Ham United signed Scott Parker for £7 million.[25] Due to injury, he did not make his first team debut until 26 September 2007 in the 1–0 League Cup victory against Plymouth Argyle.[26] His full Premier League debut came on 29 September 2007 in the 1–0 home defeat to Arsenal, a game which saw Parker sustaining another injury and being substituted for Hayden Mullins at half-time.[27] Parker scored his first goal for West Ham, a last-minute winner in the 2–1 win at Middlesbrough on 22 December 2007.[28]

In the 2008–09 season, Parker played a major part of West Ham's season and on 24 May 2009 was voted Hammer of the Year, by the club's supporters.[29] and became the first player since Julian Dicks in 1997 to retain the award after winning again on 4 May 2010.[30]

He was again one of West Ham's key players in the 2009–10 season, scoring the winning goal in a vital 3–2 win against Wigan Athletic, which ensured another season of Premier League football for West Ham.[31]

In July 2010, West Ham Chairman David Sullivan stated that Parker was not for sale to another club at any price. This came after a bid from Tottenham Hotspur[32] and also public interest from Aston Villa.[33] In September 2010 Parker signed a new, five-year, contract with West Ham which also made him the highest paid player in the club's history.[34]

Parker had a strong start to the 2010–11 season and scored three goals in his first six games. His goals came in games against Oxford United,[35] Chelsea,[36] and Stoke City.[37] He is widely regarded[38][39] as one of the most consistent English midfielders over the last few years. There were calls from England supporters and Avram Grant[38][40] for the midfielder to be included in England's squad and feature on a regular basis. On 12 February Carlton Cole praised Scott Parker's "inspirational" pep talk at half time after, being 3–0 down, West Ham clawed back in the second half to get a 3–3 draw against West Bromwich Albion. Carlton Cole was quoted as saying "If you were there you would have had a tear in your eye" after the half time team talk.[41] Parker was named Premier League player of the month for February 2011 following his performances in West Ham's 3–1 wins over Blackpool and Liverpool.[42]

Following his performances for West Ham and his England recall, Parker was placed on the six strong shortlist for the prestigious PFA Player of the Year Award. He missed out on the PFA award but was named the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year.[43]

Parker started the first four games of the 2011–12 season for West Ham United in the Championship and scored his first goal of the season, and tenth league goal for the club against Watford on 16 August 2011.[44]

Amid speculation that Tottenham Hotspur would sign the player, Parker handed West Ham co-owner David Gold a hand written transfer request, saying "I have had a fantastic four years at West Ham United and will never forget all the support I have had from the fans and everyone associated with the club." "The manager and board have tried hard to convince me to stay but at this stage in my career, I need to be playing in the Premier League, especially now that I am involved with England." "I hope the fans will understand and respect my decision and I wish the club every success in their fight for promotion this season."[45]

Tottenham Hotspur

On 31 August 2011, Tottenham and West Ham both announced the transfer of Parker to Spurs, with the fee believed to be £5.5 million.[46] Tottenham said "We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with West Ham United for the permanent transfer of Scott Parker.".[47][48] Later, Redknapp revealed that he was stunned that Tottenham could capture Parker ahead of rival clubs.[49] On 10 September 2011 Parker made his Spurs' debut, providing an assist for fellow debutant Emmanuel Adebayor.[50] He made his home debut the following week in a 4–0 win over Liverpool.[51] Parker finished his first 4 games for Spurs on the winning side. He captained the team in their 2–1 away win at Blackburn on 23 October. Parker finished his first season at Spurs being named as their Player of the Year. Parker was injured on international duty before the start of the 2012–13 season and didn't play his first game of the season until 16 December as a 90th minute substitute.

American journalist William Saletan had high praise for Parker's defensive skills after seeing the QPR match in person at White Hart Lane. "Parker doesn't score or get credited with assists. He leaves that to the guys up front," he wrote.

What Parker does instead is win games. He does this not by punctuating the match but by controlling it. He smothers oncoming attacks. He forces opponents off the ball. He orchestrates distribution out of the back, setting in motion a Spurs onslaught that will culminate 60 yards downfield ... You can't watch the game up close without noticing Parker.[52]

On 3 March 2013, he assisted Aaron Lennon's winning goal in the North London derby against Arsenal.[53]

Fulham

On 19 August 2013, Parker signed a three-year deal with Fulham, for an undisclosed fee. On 23 November 2013, Parker was made temporary Captain for the game against Swansea, in the absence of Brede Hangeland [54]

International career

Parker and Samir Nasri at Euro 2012

Parker has represented England at every level from under-15 to the senior team.[1] He has 9 caps for the England under-21 team.[55]

Parker's international debut for the senior England team came on 16 November 2003 when he came on in the 66th minute as a substitute replacing Wayne Rooney in a 3–2 defeat against Denmark.[56]

Parker's form earned him a place in the starting line-up for England's European Championships qualifier away to Croatia. Parker was restricted to tracking back and covering due to the attacking players in the team like Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. England boss Steve McClaren specifically told Parker to chase the wingers and assist the two wing backs, Gary Neville and Ashley Cole.

On 11 May 2010, Parker was revealed to be among manager Fabio Capello's 30-man preliminary squad list for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.[57] However, he did not play.

On 9 February 2011, he came on as a second-half substitute for Frank Lampard in a friendly against Denmark to become the first player to receive his first four full caps whilst playing for four different teams.[3]

On 26 March 2011, Parker played in the Millennium Stadium against Wales in the qualifiers for UEFA Euro 2012 and was recognised as one of England's top players in the victory, acting as a holding midfielder in Capello's newly adopted 4–3–3 formation.[58]

On 12 November 2011, Parker was named man of the match in a friendly against UEFA Euro 2008 and World Cup 2010 winners Spain in the 1–0 win.[59] Parker captained England on 29 February 2012 in their 2–3 defeat by Netherlands at Wembley.[60]

Following Roy Hodgson's appointment as England manager, Parker was selected as part of England's Euro 2012 Preliminary Squad and was kept in for the final 23-man squad. Parker started all three of England's group matches, helping the team top their group with wins against Sweden and Ukraine and a draw with France.

Style of play

Scott Parker for most of his career has always been deployed as a holding midfielder (commonly known as defensive midfielder) both by his club and country. While not being the most graceful on the field among his team-mates, Parker is noted for his modest, calm and rational temperament; and also for his ability to smother incoming attacks from opposition and retaining possession for his team. Not one to shy away from challenges, Parker is not afraid to put his body on the line on numerous occasion.[61]

On the international stage, Parker has been among the notable England players to have been criticised and panned for their hard-working but less technical style of play.[62] Overlooked for major tournaments such as Euro 2004 and FIFA World Cup 2010, Parker was during 2012 a regular presence in the line-up, being partnered with Steven Gerrard. Although England had a relatively disappointing Euro 2012 campaign, some viewed the partnership of Parker and Gerrard as one of the positives.[63]

Career statistics

Club

As of 26 December 2013.[64][65][66]
Club Season League Cup League Cup Europe Other[nb 1] Total
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Charlton Athletic 1997–98 301000——40
1998–99 401010——60
1999–2000 1511020——181
2000–01 2013020——251
Norwich City (loan) 2000–01 61————61
Charlton Athletic 2001–02 3810030——411
2002–03 2841000——294
2003–04 2020021——223
Total 1281070101——14511
Chelsea 2003–04 111100050—171
2004–05 40003040—110
Total 151103090—281
Newcastle United 2005–06 2613120—10322
2006–07 29300218020414
Total 55431418030736
West Ham United 2007–08 1810020——201
2008–09 2813010——321
2009–10 3120020——332
2010–11 3253052——407
2011–12 410000——41
Total 1131060102——12912
Tottenham Hotspur 2011–12 290500000—340
2012–13 210200060—290
Total 500700060—630
Fulham 2013–14 162002000—182
Total 162002000—182
Career total 377272412942403045632

International

As of 22 March 2013.
England national team
YearAppsGoals
200310
200410
200500
200610
200700
200800
200900
201000
201170
201270
201310
Total180

Honours

Club

Charlton Athletic
Chelsea
Newcastle United

Individual

Notes

  1. ↑ Includes the UEFA Intertoto Cup

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 "Scott Parker Factfile". whufc.com. 6 June 2007. Retrieved 13 June 2007. 
  2. ↑ "Player Profile – Scott Parker". Premier League. Retrieved 30 March 2011. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Wallace, Sam (10 February 2011). "Bent and Young deliver polished auditions for roles in England future". The Independent (UK). Retrieved 10 February 2011. 
  4. ↑ "Scott Parker – a career in pictures". The Daily Telegraph (London). 22 April 2011. Retrieved 31 August 2011. 
  5. ↑ "Scott Parker Biography". Flown From The Nest. 6 June 2005. Retrieved 19 March 2007. 
  6. ↑ Jackson, Jamie (4 December 2010). "Scott Parker is key to guiding West Ham away from the relegation zone". The Guardian (UK). Retrieved 6 June 2011. 
  7. ↑ "Sheff Wed 3–2 Norwich". BBC Sport. 11 November 2000. Retrieved 27 February 2010. 
  8. ↑ "Parker joins Chelsea". BBC Sport. 30 January 2004. Retrieved 10 February 2011. 
  9. ↑ "Curbishley hits out at Parker". BBC Sport. 29 January 2004. Retrieved 4 December 2007. 
  10. ↑ "Portsmouth 0–2 Chelsea". BBC Sport. 11 February 2004. Retrieved 8 September 2009. 
  11. ↑ "Player's Player Awards: Young Player of the Year 1974–2007". Professional Footballers' Association. Archived from the original on 27 May 2007. Retrieved 13 June 2007. 
  12. ↑ Chelsea 1-0 West Ham; BBC Sport, 27 October 2004
  13. ↑ Newcastle 0-2 Chelsea; BBC Sport, 10 November 2004
  14. ↑ Fulham 1-2 Chelsea; BBC Sport, 30 November 2004
  15. ↑ "Parker blames injury on new pitch". BBC Sport. 22 December 2004. 
  16. ↑ http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/389193/This-would-top-my-title-medal-says-Scott-Parker
  17. ↑ "Newcastle seal £6.5m Parker deal" BBC Sport, 15 June 2005. Retrieved 6 June 2007
  18. ↑ "Charlton 3–1 Newcastle". BBC Sport. 26 March 2006. Retrieved 15 September 2009. 
  19. ↑ "Fever brings end to Parker season". BBC Sport. 31 March 2006. Retrieved 10 February 2011. 
  20. ↑ "Parker named as Newcastle captain", BBC Sport, 14 July 2006. Retrieved 6 June 2007
  21. ↑ Chowdhury, Saj (19 August 2006). "Newcastle 2–1 Wigan". BBC Sport. Retrieved 8 September 2009. 
  22. ↑ Sinnott, John (9 September 2006). "Newcastle 1–2 Fulham". BBC Sport. Retrieved 8 September 2009. 
  23. ↑ "Watford 2–2 Newcastle (aet)". BBC Sport. 7 November 2006. Retrieved 8 September 2009. 
  24. ↑ Fletcher, Paul (23 December 2006). "Newcastle 3–1 Tottenham". BBC Sport. Retrieved 8 September 2009. 
  25. ↑ "West Ham sign Parker in £7m deal". BBC Sport. 6 June 2007. Retrieved 27 July 2008. 
  26. ↑ Dean Ashton applies killer touch for West Ham The Telegraph, 27 September 2007
  27. ↑ West Ham 0–1 Arsenal BBC Sport, 29 September 2007
  28. ↑ Shea, Julian (22 December 2007). "Middlesbrough 1–2 West Ham". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 April 2010. 
  29. ↑ Parker named Hammer Of the Year West Ham United FC, 24 May 2009
  30. ↑ "Peerless Parker". West Ham United FC. 4 May 2010. Retrieved 5 May 2010. 
  31. ↑ Bevan, Chris (24 April 2010). "West Ham 3–2 Wigan". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 July 2010. 
  32. ↑ "David Sullivan rejects Tottenham offer for West Ham's Scott Parker". The Guardian (UK). Press Association. 28 July 2010. Retrieved 9 September 2010. 
  33. ↑ "David Sullivan tells Aston Villa to forget about a move for Scott Parker". Evening Standard. London. 21 July 2010. Retrieved 9 September 2010. 
  34. ↑ "Scott Parker signs new West Ham United deal". ESPN.co.uk. 9 September 2010. Retrieved 9 September 2010. 
  35. ↑ "West Ham 1 – 0 Oxford Utd". BBC Sport. 24 August 2010. Retrieved 18 September 2010. 
  36. ↑ "West Ham 1 – 3 Chelsea". BBC Sport. 11 September 2010. Retrieved 18 September 2010. 
  37. ↑ "Stoke 1 – 1 West Ham". BBC Sport. 18 September 2010. Retrieved 18 September 2010. 
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 Jackson, Jamie (4 December 2010). "Scott Parker is key to guiding West Ham away from the relegation zone". The Guardian (UK). 
  39. ↑ Wilson, Jeremy (15 November 2010). "West Ham find hope in character of Scott Parker and Mark Noble despite being held by Blackpool". The Telegraph (London). 
  40. ↑ "Manager on Monday". West Ham United FC. 15 November 2010. Retrieved 10 February 2011. 
  41. ↑ "Cole hails 'inspirational' Scott Parker team-talk". BBC Sport. 12 February 2011. Retrieved 1 March 2011. 
  42. ↑ "Wenger & Parker win Premier League awards for February". BBC Sport. 4 March 2011. Retrieved 4 March 2011. 
  43. ↑ "West Ham's Scott Parker wins Football Writers' award". BBC Sport. 22 April 2011. Retrieved 22 April 2011. 
  44. ↑ http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/9198900.Hornets_suffer_heavy_Hammers_defeat/ Watford Observer 17 August 2011.
  45. ↑ "Scott Parker on verge of joining Spurs after handing in transfer request". Metro. 30 August 2011. Retrieved 18 September 2011. 
  46. ↑ Hytner, David (31 August 2011). "Scott Parker completes £5.5m switch to Tottenham from West Ham". The Guardian. Retrieved 31 August 2011. 
  47. ↑ "Scott Parker completes Tottenham move". BBC Sport. 31 August 2011. Retrieved 31 August 2011. 
  48. ↑ "Parker completes move". Tottenham Hotspur F.C. 31 August 2011. Retrieved 31 August 2011. 
  49. ↑ "Spurs boss Redknapp revels in Parker capture as Tottenham climb table". Daily Mail. 23 November 2011. Retrieved 30 November 2011. 
  50. ↑ "Wolverhampton 0 – 2 Tottenham". BBC Sport. 10 September 2011. Retrieved 19 September 2011. 
  51. ↑ "Tottenham 4 – 0 Liverpool". BBC Sport. 18 September 2011. Retrieved 19 September 2011. 
  52. ↑ Saletan, William (3 November 2011). "Guts, No Glory". Slate. Retrieved 3 November 2011. 
  53. ↑ "Tottenham 2–1 Arsenal" BBC Sport. 3 March 2013. Retrieved 3 March 2013.
  54. ↑ "Scott Parker Signs". Fulham F.C. 19 August 2013. Retrieved 19 August 2013. 
  55. ↑ "England Scott Parker". The Football Association. Retrieved 1 October 2010. 
  56. ↑ "Scott Parker". Football Association. Retrieved 10 February 2011. 
  57. ↑ "Fabio Capello makes surprise England World Cup choices". BBC Sport. 11 May 2010. Retrieved 10 February 2011. 
  58. ↑ Winter, Henry (26 March 2011). "Wales v England: The Impressive Scott Parker showed in Cardiff he is central to Fabio Capello's fresh start". The Telegraph (London). Retrieved 11 April 2011. 
  59. ↑ Cass, Bob (13 November 2011). "We won't get cocky after beating Spain, says England midfielder Parker". Daily Mail. Retrieved 1 March 2012. 
  60. ↑ "England 2–3 Netherlands". BBC Sport. Retrieved 1 March 2012. 
  61. ↑ "FABIO CAPELLO hailed 'incredible' Scott Parker after England shocked Spain.". The Sun. 13 November 2001. 
  62. ↑ "Scott Parker shows qualities that earned him England captain’s armband against Holland.". The Daily Telegraph. 1 March 2012. 
  63. ↑ "Euro 2012: England midfielders Steven Gerrard and Scott Parker prove their strength under pressure.". The Daily Telegraph. 12 June 2012. 
  64. ↑ "Scott Parker West Ham Stats". westhamstats.info. Retrieved 7 March 2011. 
  65. ↑ "Scott Parker West Ham Profile". West Ham United FC. Retrieved 7 March 2011. 
  66. ↑ "Scott Parker Soccerbase". Soccerbase. Retrieved 7 March 2011. 
  67. ↑ Winrow, Ian (2013-04-04). "Tottenham Hotspur v FC Basle: Scott Parker says Europa League triumph would trump all his Chelsea success". www.telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 2013-06-11. 
  68. ↑ "Scott Parker named England Player of the Year by fans". BBC Sport. 28 February 2012. Retrieved 29 February 2012. 

External links

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Sporting positions
Preceded by
Alan Shearer		 Newcastle United F.C. captain
2006–2007 		Succeeded by
Geremi
England squad – UEFA Euro 2012
England
Fulham F.C. – current squad
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