SCOTT PARKER’S eyes still sparkle with reminiscences of early morning truck rides with his father.
Occasionally, they would cruise along the Kent coastline while Parker accompanied his dad, Michael, during his shifts as a Heinz delivery driver — frequently followed by delightful treats of ice cream and visits to amusement arcades.
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Now at the helm of Burnley, Parker fondly recalls, “As a young boy, I always begged my dad to take me on the lorries.”
“He would pull me out of school twice a week — probably not the wisest choice — but we’d rise at 3am to get the lorry.”
“Thursdays were particularly special, as he’d take me on coastal routes — Ramsgate, Margate — and reward me with amusement park adventures afterward.”
“For a young child, that was incredible. Those moments created lasting memories.”
These experiences also helped cultivate the resilience that drives him in his current managerial role, after enduring a challenging period filled with three sackings — at Fulham, Bournemouth, and Club Brugge.
Having faced that series of challenges in just 19 turbulent months, many might think that management wasn’t meant for him — yet he successfully guided both the Cottagers and Cherries into the Premier League before each club decided to part ways with him.
His tenure in Belgium lasted only 69 days and involved just 12 matches.
He could have joined the ranks of disappointed voices lamenting perceived unfairness.
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However, his only public grievance came after a disheartening 9-0 defeat to Liverpool shortly after Bournemouth returned to the Premier League; he mentioned his squad was “ill-equipped” for the top tier.
Just four days later, in August 2022, he was dismissed 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 voiced more about the sackings that may have impacted him profoundly, he candidly replied, “Well, in the last four months, nobody ever asked me.”
Parker, 44, gives the impression that he would rather leap off Margate’s Harbour Arm than reveal his true emotions.
Yet, for a brief moment, he lowered his guard and shared: “Standing on the touchline that day at Anfield was an extraordinarily lonely experience.”
“I felt a lot of disappointment with how it all finished, and out of the three, Bournemouth still stings the most. But life goes on.”
“The challenges and bumps along the managerial journey are simply part of the process.”
“Some have knocked me down, but you get back up, dust yourself off, and move forward. There were certainly times when it became very difficult — that is a fact.”
“That’s why I took a year off after Brugge; at that point, I had encountered numerous setbacks and needed time to heal, a break from the chaos.”
“I had to reassess and realized a long time ago that while it’s okay to feel sorry for yourself and dwell on negativity, I wouldn’t go down that path.”
“Not based on how I was raised or my background — 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.”
“It’s not a sob story, but my career was everything for my parents given our circumstances. Did I ever consider that I had extraordinary talent? Not at all.”
“I’ve never truly compared my past to my present. However, I am very much aware of how drastically different my life could have been.”
“The cherished memories of trips to Margate are delightful — yet I fully acknowledge that my father’s work ethic has profoundly shaped me.”
“That’s what I embody today. I have always represented working-class values — making the most of every opportunity. It is a fundamental aspect of who I am.”
“I connect with the people at any club I’m part of. They’re working-class folks, just like those here at Burnley because I am one of them.”
“Being one of them inspires me to do everything within my power to elevate this club.”
He is making impressive strides as well; the Clarets head to Stoke today sitting in third place.
And the former West Ham and England midfielder stressed, “Those journeys with my dad remain my most treasured memories due to the intricate details of those times and places.”
“The core values embedded in me are still strong. Although there have been both setbacks and triumphs, it’s certainly a roller coaster ride.”
“But sitting next to my father in that lorry played a vital role in shaping who I am today, and I take great pride in that.”
