Blackburn Rovers is mourning the loss of Tony Parkes, a club legend who passed away at the age of 76. Parkes was synonymous with Blackburn Rovers, dedicating 34 years of his life to the club as a player and coach. He made over 400 appearances as a midfielder and played a crucial role under 16 different managers, including Kenny Dalglish during the club's historic Premiership title-winning season in 1994-95. His contributions to the club were immense, and he is remembered fondly by fans and players alike.

Parkes joined Blackburn Rovers from non-league Buxton in May 1970 and quickly became a key player, helping the team secure the third-tier title in the 1974-75 season. After retiring from playing in 1982, he transitioned into coaching, where he continued to influence the club's success. He served as a caretaker manager on six occasions and was instrumental in guiding the team to safety in the 1996-97 season after a challenging start.

His legacy at Blackburn Rovers is celebrated by many, including former striker Alan Shearer, who described Parkes as a trustworthy and hardworking individual who loved the club deeply. The club plans to honor Parkes with a special tribute before their final Championship game of the season against Leicester City on Saturday, 2 May. His passing is a significant loss for the Blackburn Rovers family, but his contributions will never be forgotten.