Joe PARKINSON

Joe Parkinson arrived at Everton from Bournemouth for £250, 000 on transfer deadline day in 1994. His signing was overshadowed by the capture of Anders Limpar from Arsenal on the same day but this seemed to sum up Parkinson in a nutshell. The quiet midfielder was to become a vital member of the first team over the next few seasons but it took quite a while for him to achieve the sort of recognition that a more creative player can gain instantly. Although it was Mike Walker who had brought him to the club, it was under the stewardship of Joe Royle that Parkinson was to excel. The midfield, featuring Parkinson together with Barry Horne and John Ebbrell, earned itself the nickname of 'Dogs of War'. Desperate to avoid any more relegation battles, Royle revolutionised the team's style of play and Parkinson epitomised the fighting spirit that the club was quickly becoming known for.

He would harass the opposition, closing down the man on the ball as soon as he had received it. His never say die attitude won over the fans and Parkinson became a vital cog in the side that lifted the 1995 FA Cup. He finally managed to score his first goal for the club during a 5-0 fifth round victory over Norwich City. During the 1996/97 season, Parkinson began to finally win plaudits from more neutral observers as he added a new creative dimension to his game. He was only just emerging as a top class midfielder when injury struck. The next 2 years were spent either on the operating table or in the physio room in the hope of one-day being able to resume his blighted career. There was a brief hope at the beginning of the 1999/2000 season that he may be finally able to start playing football again. It was in vain, however, as he was forced to announce his retirement from the game in November 1999 at the age of only 28, his Goodison days reduced to 4 goals from 107 appearances. (Chris Williams)