RIP, Roy Parnell

Everyone at Everton Football Club is saddened to learn of the passing of our former player, Roy Parnell.

Roy died on 11 September following a long illness.

Born on 8 October 1943, he played three times for the Blues, making his first-team debut on 21 January 1961 when he replaced regular right-back Alex Parker at Molineux against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Roy was unfortunate that he had the Scottish international Parker in his way and he never managed to dislodge him from the starting XI.

The following season, Roy again only played once – a 2-1 defeat against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

His third and final Blues appearance came in September 1963, when he replaced Sandy Brown at left-back for a goalless draw away at Ipswich Town.

With such quality full-backs at Harry Catterick’s disposal, further opportunities were always going to be unlikely and in 1964, Roy crossed the River Mersey to join Tranmere Rovers, for whom he played more than 100 games.

He later had a three-year spell with Bury and ended his playing career with New Brighton, where he served in a player-manager capacity.

In later life, Roy suffered with dementia but he was still, for many years, a regular and enthusiastic attendee at many Everton Former Players’ Foundation events.

The thoughts of everyone associated with the Football Club are with his family and friends at this sad time.