Blackpool legends pay tribute to former manager Tony Parkes as his daughter opens up on Alzheimer's diagnosis

A number of Blackpool legends have paid tribute to former manager Tony Parkes after the 70-year-old's daughter revealed he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
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Parkes, who managed the Seasiders between 2008 and 2009, was visibly emotional as his daughter Natalie Parkes detailed his struggles.

Speaking to BBC Radio Lancashire, she said: "Things are a lot different now for my dad. We've had quite a few big changes over the last couple of years.

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"It started slowly but it's very apparent now - he recently had a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

"It's changed a lot of things, his independence being the big one. He now no longer feels comfortable doing things by himself. He likes to be with me a lot.

"He looks fine - but it's when you try and have a conversation the words aren't always there, the memories aren't always there."

Natalie has taken on the responsibility of looking after her dad since in recent times, giving up her job as a teacher, but is grateful for the support provided from The Sporting Memories Foundation.

Tony Parkes managed the Seasiders between 2008 and 2009Tony Parkes managed the Seasiders between 2008 and 2009
Tony Parkes managed the Seasiders between 2008 and 2009
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The organisation is the world's first charity dedicated to sports reminiscence and physical activities, supporting older people with dementia, depression and loneliness by engaging them in social activities and helping them to recall memories of watching or playing sport.

Parkes is considered a club legend at Blackburn Rovers, having made 350 appearances for the Ewood Park club during a 12-year stint.

He spent a further 22 years there as a coach, often stepping in for caretaker roles.

Parkes became Blackpool's assistant manager in 2005 shortly after Simon Grayson was appointed as caretaker manager in his first stint at Bloomfield Road.

Parkes with Steve Thompson and Gary Parkinson on the touchlineParkes with Steve Thompson and Gary Parkinson on the touchline
Parkes with Steve Thompson and Gary Parkinson on the touchline
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He helped the club clinch promotion to the Championship during the 2006/07 campaign before being installed as the club's caretaker boss a year later after Grayson made the move to Leeds United.

Parkes, with Steve Thompson as his assistant, led the Seasiders to a 16th placed finish in the Championship.

After discussions with Karl Oyston during the summer, Parkes departed following a disagreement with then chairman Karl Oyston.

It is said that during his time at Bloomfield Road Parkes laid the foundations for Ian Holloway to come in and take the club up to the Premier League.

Parkes pictured with Blackpool legend Jimmy Armfield in 2009Parkes pictured with Blackpool legend Jimmy Armfield in 2009
Parkes pictured with Blackpool legend Jimmy Armfield in 2009
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Gary Taylor-Fletcher was among the Blackpool legends to send their best wishes to Parkes.

Writing on Twitter, 'GTF' wrote: "What a gentleman. Tony was a big influence in what we achieved at Blackpool and him and Tommo deserve a lot of the credit for keeping us up and bringing Charlie Adam and DJ Campbell to the club.

"Everyone knows how the rest of the story goes. Champ play-offs to the Prem."

Charlie Adam added: "So sad to see this great man suffering from Alzheimer’s.

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"He gave me the opportunity to come to Blackpool. He steadied the club at a very tough time.

"Very good coach and well respected in the game. Keep fighting TONY."

Parkes departed Bloomfield Road after a disagreement with Karl Oyston over financesParkes departed Bloomfield Road after a disagreement with Karl Oyston over finances
Parkes departed Bloomfield Road after a disagreement with Karl Oyston over finances

Ian Evatt commented: "What an absolute gentleman.

He was a huge influence at the beginning of the Blackpool journey. He was always calm, assured and gave great advice.

"Thinking of you Tony."

Andy Morrell wrote: "What a guy. Learnt a lot off him when I was at Blackpool. Dry sense of humour too!"

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Shaun Barker said: "Tough to watch this. Tony was a huge part of my time at Blackpool.

"He did a remarkable job taking over from Simon Grayson. Managing to keep the club in the Championship that season was huge!"