Tony Parkes, an English football player and manager with Blackburn Rovers, died on April 22, 2026, at the age of 76 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.
A midfielder, he began his career at Buxton in non-League football in 1969 before joining Blackburn Rovers in 1970, where he remained until retiring in 1982. He played 350 league games and scored 38 goals for the club.
After retiring, Parkes joined Blackburn’s coaching staff and later served as assistant manager. He was caretaker manager at Blackburn on six occasions between 1986 and 2004, and was most recently caretaker manager at Blackpool. As of 2011, he worked as a scout for Blackburn Rovers.
Tony Parkes, 76, English football player and manager (Blackburn Rovers), complications from Alzheimer’s disease.