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SCOTT PARKER’S eyes still sparkle as he reminisces about those early morning lorry rides with his father.
Occasionally, they would travel along the Kent shoreline while Parker accompanied his dad Michael during his shifts as a Heinz delivery driver, often followed by treats of ice cream and trips to amusement arcades.
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Now leading Burnley, Parker fondly remembers, “As a child, I always pushed my dad to take me along on the lorries.”
“He’d pull me out of school twice a week — which probably wasn’t the best idea — but we would rise at 3am to pick up the lorry.”
“Thursdays were particularly enjoyable since he would take me on coastal runs — Ramsgate, Margate — and treat me to some amusement park fun afterward.”
“For a young child, those moments were extraordinary. They fostered incredible memories.”
These experiences also played a part in nurturing the determination that guides him in his current managerial role, especially after facing a rough patch with three firings — at Fulham, Bournemouth, and Club Brugge.
Having endured that trio of challenges over just 19 tumultuous months, one could easily question whether management was truly his forte — despite having guided both the Cottagers and Cherries into the Premier League before they let him go.
His time in Belgium lasted merely 69 days, encompassing 12 matches.
He could have easily fallen into the common trap of expressing grievances about perceived injustices.
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However, his sole public grievance emerged after a crushing 9-0 defeat to Liverpool shortly after Bournemouth returned to the Premier League; he expressed that his squad was “ill-prepared” for the elite level.
Just days later, in August 2022, he was let go following defeats of 3-0 to Arsenal and 4-0 against Manchester City.
Scott Parker discusses the challenges of coaching Fulham
When asked why he hadn’t publicly addressed his sackings that may have affected him deeply, he responded honestly, “Well, over the last four months, no one ever inquired.”
Parker, 44, appears to prefer jumping off Margate’s Harbour Arm rather than revealing his inner feelings.
Yet, for a moment, he let down his defenses and admitted: “Standing on that touchline at Anfield was an incredibly lonely experience.”
“I felt immense disappointment about how it concluded, and of the three, Bournemouth still stings the most. But life moves forward.”
“The challenges and hardships we face as managers are simply aspects of the journey.”
“Some have knocked me down, but you rise again, dust off, and keep moving. There were undeniably tough times — I won’t deny that.”
“That’s why I took a year off after Brugge; at that stage, I had taken many hits and needed to recuperate, needed a break from the chaos.”
“I had to rethink my approach and realized a long time ago that while it’s natural to feel down and get lost in negativity, I wouldn’t allow that to happen.”
“Not given my upbringing, not from my roots — the Lettsom Estate in Camberwell, inner London.
“My dad was a lorry driver, and my mum was a special needs teacher; that was our reality.”
“This isn’t a sob story, but my career became everything for my parents given our circumstances. Did I think I had exceptional talent? Not at all.”
“I never considered what life was like back then compared to where I am now. But I’m very much aware of how drastically different my path could have been.”
“The treasured memories of adventures to Margate are lovely — but I also realize that my father’s work ethic has been instilled in me.”
“That’s what I embody today. I’ve always represented working-class values — putting in hard work at every chance. It’s a fundamental part of who I am.”
“I understand the people at whichever club I’m part of. They’re working-class individuals, just like those here at Burnley since I’m one of them.”
“Being one of them motivates me to do everything possible to elevate this club.”
He is indeed making notable strides; the Clarets head to Stoke today sitting in third place.
The former West Ham and England midfielder emphasized, “Those journeys with my dad continue to be my most cherished memories due to the vivid details of those times and places.”
“The core values instilled in me remain resolute. Despite setbacks and triumphs, it’s been a roller coaster ride.”
“But sitting alongside my father in that lorry was pivotal in shaping who I am today, and I take great pride in that.”
