Tony Parry

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09.12.2009 : Jeff Stelling wrote It was a tremendous thrill this year for me to finally meet the man who had given me and my friends so much pleasure when we were younger.

They say you should never meet your heroes – you’ll be disappointed. But that was far from the case.

Just as he had been on the field, Tony Parry was modest and gracious. A delight to watch and a delight to meet.
24.11.2009 : brian shorthouse wrote I knew tony from living near him and his family in stapenhill, also going to school, and playing football with him and against him always very talented player. The last time i saw tony was in the dart pub and he asked me if he should join derby as brian clough had given him the chance for what he achieved at hartlepool, i did say to him he should snap brian's hand off whether that influenced him or not i don't know. Always considered tony a friend, so sad to hear of his passing may he rest in peace. My sincere condolences to all is family and friends will always remember you
brian james shorthouse
29.11.2009 : JOANNE TATE wrote Tony was a fantastic servant to Hartlepool - in the first history making season of 67'68 the supporters named him as their choice of PLAYER OF THE SEASON ( and he was by a mile).

Tony was recently in town and received a five minute standing ovation at the clubs Centenary Dinner - he has left a huge legacy for black footballers in this country - he should NEVER be forgotten.

RIP Tony GOODNIGHT & GOD BLESS YOU x

Jo
01.12.2009 : Alastair Rae wrote It's hard to believe Tony Parry is no longer with us just days after he returned to his beloved Hartlepool (with his daughter Joeline and her friend) to support charity fundraising events in memory of popular local footballer Liam Gough. Tony was Liam's hero in his younger days.

I hadn't seen Tony Parry since the late 60s/early 70s when I was a ball boy and Parry was at Hartlepool United after being signed by Brian Clough.

Forty years on it was great to reminisce with one of Pools all-time legends and he told me a couple of stories about his days under Cloughie. He was in his element and apparently during a visit to one of the town's popular night spots, all pub-goers came out with terace chant from 40 years ago - "There's only one Tony Parry, one Tony Parry"

He'll be remembered as one of the most accomplished players to play for Hartlepool and of course he's Jeff Stelling's boyhood hero too. He was signed by Cloughie for a second time at Derby and will always be fondly remembered by Hartlepool fans. His family should be so proud of his achievements.

Alastair Rae
Public Relations Manager
Hartlepool Council
02.12.2009 : Ian Malcolmson wrote I have fond memories of watching Tony play for Pools, it has already been said what an athlete he was. He obvously enjoyed his football and i don't think there is a pic of him in existance without that smile on his face.He has always been a very modest man and the couple of times i have met him recently we had a hard time convincing him how much the fans thought of him at Pools. Under the circumstances what a great tribute the Centenary dinner turned out to be.Brian Clough was always a great judge of players and he picked Tony out as a star. Tony told me what a brilliant time he had when he followed Cloughie to Derby and he throughly deserved that. memories live on
02.12.2009 : Phil Dunn wrote As a Hartlepool fan of some 38 years, I only saw Tony's last few games for his beloved Pools. They were enough for even a small boy to know that this bloke was something special, and to work out how much he meant to the Hartlepool fans. When he was sold to Derby in 1972 an old-timer in the seats next to me stopped going. When my Dad asked his Son why, he said "Because Parry's Gone".

In recent times I was fortunate to meet Tony as HUFC celebrated their Centenary Year...it was obvious how much Hartlepool loved him, and vice-versa.

Rest In Peace Padge, it was an honour.
03.12.2009 : Anth Dunn wrote No words to say really that could do the man justice.

Just goodnight and God bless to a true Pools legend and a true pioneer.

Sleep in Peace.
03.12.2009 : nicola gough wrote Was shocked and saddened to hear the news about Tony Parry. Had met him for the first time only a week before when he came to Hartlepool for my Dad's (Liam Gough) charity night in aid of Hartlepool Hospice. He was one of my DAD'S fav pools players ever and I know my Dad would have been one of the first in the queue up in heaven to thank him for everything he did! RIP Tony, Nicola Gough
04.12.2009 : MIKE WILSON wrote Im sure you get the drift as a Hartlepool fan - he was coloured / a hero / a legend / signed by Clouhhie twice & will always be remembered with affection. He also did a lot for charity!

He was Hartlepools PLAYER OF THE CENTURY in my opinion!

RIP our kid......

x
04.12.2009 : Nick Loughlin wrote In recent months, Tony rediscovered Hartlepool and Hartlepool rediscovered one of its favourite football sons. He was back in the town to watch Pools just a week before his death, and a fitting minute's silence was held at the next game for a true football gent. Few players span the generation gap like he did from the 1960s through to 2009 and even those who didn't see him play - myself included - knew all about his talent. The club has lost one of its finest.
05.12.2009 : tonys sister elaine chamberlain wrote A last goodbye we did not say,
In our hearts you will always stay.BROTHER can not beleave you have left us you will allways be in my heart tony . I WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERY ONE FOR THERE KIND WORDS good night god bless brother .sister elaine xxxxxxxxxxxxx
09.12.2009 : Neil Farrington wrote Pioneers are such a rarity in sport these days that the passing of a genuine trailblazer is cause for mourning.

Tony Parry was one such individual.

Although not unknown in the North East, black players were all too few and far between in English football when Parry became a rookie Hartlepool United manager’s first signing in 1965.

That manager was Brian Clough, whose legend lives on worldwide.

In Hartlepool, however, Parry remains the bigger hero, as proved by the five-minute standing ovation he received at his old club’s centenary dinner.

Having been switched from left-half to centre-back, Parry underpinned Pools’ historic promotion from Division Four in 1967/68, aged just 22.

After six years’ sterling service, he even did right by leaving, with the £2500 that Clough paid for him helping to keep Pools afloat.

Parry, who worked as a council gardener and a storeman at Camerons brewery while at the Victoria Ground – how times change – played only sporadically back in his native East Midlands, but his place in Pools’ folklore, and in clearing a path for other black players to follow, is unchallenged.

And Tony Parry's spirit will live on.
09.12.2009 : Stan Laundon wrote I find it hard to believe that Tony Parry is no longer with us.

Just a short time ago I was in his company in Hartlepool Marina and we shared many happy memories together - talking about his playing days at Hartlepool United and what a great, and popular, player he was. Tony didn't realise that he was held in such high esteem in this town.

Believe me, I know he was a popular man.

He was a true gentleman and one of the football club's greatest and much-loved sportsmen.

It was a great pleasure to have known him, and been in his company many times in previous years and I'm only happy that I spent some very precious time with him just a week or so before he died.
09.12.2009 : Chris Winspear wrote Very sad news. There has been many Pools players passed away over the years, but when it's a player who was part of one of the club's very few success stories, then he will always be remembered for his achievements.

Tony Parry was before my time I am sure we all speak the same, in that we are grateful to any player who brings us pride to our town and club... and Tony Parry did that....with distinction!
09.12.2009 : Terry (Hartlepool fan) wrote Really sad when I read about your passing, and I couldn't share it with anyone else, as there aren't any other Poolies where I work, and it wouldn't have meant anything to all the glory supporters ( Man Utd etc) around me.

Always remember your goal against Bristol Rovers, in our first promotion season, I was behind the goal in the Town End, and the shot was coming straight at me, I'm sure I ducked, even though the net was always going to stop it.

RIP Tony.
09.12.2009 : Alan Robinson wrote As a lifelong Hartlepool fan, I have fond memories of watching Tony Parry playing for my team.

He was a gentleman in every sense of the word.

There are many gifted players at small clubs around the country, but only odd ones get the status they deserve.

Tony, or Padger as we old fans used to call him, always got the respect from the faithful for his talent and the commitment he showed during his time in a Pools shirt.

I had the greatest of pleasure meeting up with him a couple of times.

I remember the standing ovation he got at the club's centenary dinner - he was amazed at the crowd's reaction.

Meeting up with Tony in the local hostelry, the Millhouse, it was hard work trying to convince this ever-so-modest man of his legendary status among the Pools fans.

It will certainly be one of my greatest memories of my time as a Pools fan.

Only days before he passed away, he had walked into a local pub in Hartlepool and everyone in the place stood and chanted "There's only one Tony Parry".

How right they were.

God bless you mate, RIP.
09.12.2009 : John Trundley wrote Tony Parry was in the Pools team when I started going as a seven year old in 1966. I remember him well as a popular player who always turned in solid performances in a team that secured our first ever promotion. It’s sad that a sportsman dies so young and my condolences to his family and friends: he’ll always be remembered fondly in Hartlepool by those old enough to have watched his career at the Vic...a true legend.
09.12.2009 : Bob Gardner wrote I was young lad of 17 when I had the pleasure of seeing a player of Tony’s calibre playing for the "Pools" Thanks to Cloughie. He just had that aura about him that oozed talent. What a joy to watch. - RIP, Sincere sympathies to his family
09.12.2009 : Allen (Cornish Pooley - 49 years) wrote What a defender and midfield enforcer.

You are Pool's history my friend and a member of the best team that ever wore the Hartlepool shirt.

One of Cloughie's boys,after years of embarrassment you gave the town a team to be proud of. No money,no big names just pure graft and team spirit.

I remember the 66/67 season well when we finished 8th which in my view beat any later achievement by Pools. To see you run out at the last match of the first promotion season against Swansea when you got player of the year was a magic moment for me and over 11,000 Poolies - we will never forget.

You were a WINNER!. The Pools fans love someone who really wanted to play for Pools and get stuck in. They loved you and I loved you. I am truly sorry you are no longer with us . May you rest in peace Tony where you can see the Pools of now which had its foundations all those years ago laid by you,Ernie Phythian,John Sheridan,Terry Bell,George Smith,Gilly,Les Green,Brian Drysdale,John McGovern,Cliffy Wright and all the rest of the lads wore the blue and white with pride.

God Bless you Tony.
09.12.2009 : Jason Parry wrote Uncle Tony,hope we gave you a good send off today.....R.I.P
10.12.2009 : peter ashmore wrote You cared for me more than words can say.R.I.P DAD i will all ways miss you and will think of you always beloved step son {PETE}
10.12.2009 : hayley poynton wrote TONY'S SON DEAN PARRY


I STILL CARN'T BELIVE YOUR GONE BUT ALLTHOUGHT YOUR GONE YOU WILL BE WITH ME ALLWAYS IN SPIRIT,MIND AND ALWAYS IN MY HEART I WILL MISS YOU ALWAYS AND LOVE U TO BITS.

R.I.P DAD ALL MY LOVE

DEAN XXX
10.12.2009 : hayley poynton wrote TO MY FARTHER-IN-LAW


I CARNT BELIVE YOU HAVE GONE IT STILL DONT SEEM REAL.YOU ARE SADLY MISSED AND LOVED

R.I.P SLEEP TIGHT NOW

LOVE HAYLEY XXX
10.12.2009 : hayley poynton wrote TO A WONDERFULL GRANDAD

WE ARE MISSIN YOU SO MUCH. WE LOVE U LOADS AND WE ALWAYS WILL. WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU.
LOTS OF LOVE
LEWIS,CHLOE AND PAIGE
XXXXXXXXX
10.12.2009 : peter ashmore wrote Dearest father in law tony parry you were the best father in law i could of wished for the closest and dearest father i ever had in my life you will be forever loved and missed and in my heart and mind for always love you lots jenny ashmore xxxxxxx
Tony Parry

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