Former Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Phil Parkes has died at the age of 79. Parkes joined Wolves as a schoolboy in 1960, turned professional four years later, and went on to make 382 appearances for the club over 18 years, including a club record 127 consecutive league appearances in the early 1970s.
The 6ft 4in goalkeeper, known affectionately as Lofty, made his debut in 1966 with a penalty save in a 3-2 win over Preston. He saved two more penalties in Wolves' UEFA Cup semi-final win over Ferencvaros in 1972, helping the club reach that year's final, in which they lost 3-2 on aggregate to Tottenham Hotspur. Injury kept him out of Wolves' 1974 League Cup final win over Manchester City under Bill McGarry, and his last appearance for the club came in a 2-1 win at West Ham in 1978.
Parkes finished his playing career in North America, with spells at Vancouver Whitecaps, Chicago Sting, San Jose Earthquakes and Toronto Blizzard in the NASL and Oklahoma City Slickers in the American Soccer League, before retiring in 1983. He later served on the committee of Wolves' former players association and was inducted into the club's hall of fame in 2023. Wolves said Parkes had suffered a fall at home in 2025 that left him under medical supervision for the rest of his life.
Wolves called him "one of the greatest ever goalkeepers to represent the club". "Legendary Wolves goalkeeper Phil Parkes sadly passed away this morning at the age of 79," the club said in a statement. Asked in 2024 how he wanted his Wolves career to be remembered, Parkes said: "I hope my Wolves career is remembered with joy. I loved playing for this football club, I had a great time, so I just hope all the supporters enjoyed it too." Wolves added: "The thoughts and prayers are with Lofty's loved ones at this sad time. Details on further club tributes will follow."