Wolverhampton Wanderers are mourning the loss of one of their most beloved former players, goalkeeper Phil Parkes, who has died at the age of 79.
Parkes dedicated 18 years of his career to the Molineux club, joining as a schoolboy and going on to make 382 appearances between 1960 and 1978. He worked his way through the ranks before finally breaking into the first team in 1966, and became a key figure for Wolves during one of the club's notable European campaigns, helping the side reach the 1972 UEFA Cup final, where they were beaten on aggregate by Tottenham Hotspur.
After departing Wolves, Parkes continued his playing career across the Atlantic, turning out for clubs including Vancouver Whitecaps and Chicago Sting in North America before hanging up his gloves in 1983.
His connection with Wolverhampton Wanderers, however, never wavered. Long after retirement, Parkes remained a fixture at the club, serving on the committee of the Wolves former players association. His decades of service and popularity among supporters and former colleagues alike were formally recognised in 2023 when he was inducted into the club's hall of fame.
According to a statement from Wolves, Parkes had suffered a fall at his home earlier in 2025, an incident that resulted in him requiring medical supervision for the remainder of his life.
Tributes have poured in from those who knew him best. Former team-mate John Richards, speaking to BBC Radio WM, described the outpouring of grief among those who played alongside Parkes and knew him personally.
"It's a sad day, I've had so many calls this morning from former players and friends of Phil just passing on their best wishes and thoughts and prayers to the family," Richards said.
Richards emphasised the deep bond Parkes shared with the club over nearly seven decades. "You've got to bear in mind Phil has been part of the Wolves family for the best part of 70 years. He's going to be a big loss," he said.
Beyond his contributions on the pitch, Richards painted a picture of a man defined by loyalty and warmth, despite his imposing physical presence as a goalkeeper. "He was one of the people who would have your back. He looked frightening but he was the opposite. He was a big gentle giant until one of his friends was in trouble and then he was there to protect everybody," Richards said.
Parkes' nickname, 'Lofty', became synonymous with his character both on and off the field. "He was known as Lofty or the big man and he lived up to it in a lot of ways. He had a big heart as well," Richards added.
Wolverhampton Wanderers released a statement extending condolences to his family. "The thoughts and prayers are with Lofty's loved ones at this sad time. Details on further club tributes will follow," the club said.
Parkes leaves behind a legacy as one of the defining goalkeepers in Wolves' history, remembered not only for his achievements between the posts but for the decades of loyalty and friendship he offered the club long after his playing days ended. Further tributes from Wolverhampton Wanderers are expected in the coming days as the football community continues to reflect on his life and contribution to the game.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.