Phil Parkes, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper, has died aged 79. Parkes was one of the club's key figures, and his passing marks the end of an era for Wolves fans who remembered him for his exceptional saves and dedication to the shirt.
Parkes remained loyal to Wolves for 18 years, spanning the period from 1960 to 1978. He began with the club as a schoolboy and made his first-team debut in 1966. During his long tenure with the side, he made a total of 382 official appearances, cementing his status as one of the most important goalkeepers in the club's history.
One of the highlights of his career came in 1972 when he helped Wolves reach the UEFA Cup final. The club suffered defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on aggregate, but Parkes's contribution en route to the final remains remembered as one of the club's greatest achievements in that period.
After ending his playing career, Parkes briefly played in North America for Vancouver Whitecaps before officially retiring from football in 1983. Following his retirement, he remained active in the community, serving on the board of the Wolverhampton Wanderers former players' association. For his contribution to football and the club, he was inducted into the Wolverhampton Wanderers Hall of Fame in 2023.
