Phil Parkes (1979-1990)

Name: Phil Parkes

Date of Birth: 8 August 1950

Place of Birth: Sedgley, Staffordshire, England

Nationality: English

Position: Goalkeeper

Date Joined Club: February 1979

Date Left Club: 1990

Appearances for West Ham: 440

Nicknames: None prominently known

West Ham Trophies Won: FA Cup (1980)

Phil Parkes joined West Ham United in February 1979 as a high-profile signing from Queens Park Rangers in a deal that set a new world-record fee for a goalkeeper. Standing over six feet tall with a commanding presence, he arrived amid some doubts about a history of knee issues, yet he wasted no time proving his worth by anchoring the defence with calm authority and sharp reflexes. His arrival coincided with a period of transition for the club, and Parkes quickly became the reliable last line of defence that supporters could trust in both league and cup competitions.

Over the next eleven years, he delivered outstanding consistency that helped steer the team through challenges and triumphs alike. Parkes played a vital role in West Ham’s memorable 1980 FA Cup victory over Arsenal, keeping a clean sheet in the final to secure the club’s first major trophy in years. The following season he maintained an exceptional run of form with numerous clean sheets, contributing directly to the Second Division title win and promotion back to the top flight. His performances earned him the Hammer of the Year award in 1981 and saw him feature regularly in strong sides, including the impressive 1985-86 campaign where the team finished third in the First Division.

Throughout his time at Upton Park, Parkes amassed 440 appearances across all competitions without scoring a goal, as expected for a specialist goalkeeper. He was known for his excellent positioning, handling under pressure, and ability to organise the back line, qualities that made him a fan favourite and one of the most respected keepers in the club’s history. Despite occasional injury setbacks, his longevity and dedication highlighted his professionalism and commitment to the Hammers cause. Parkes departed in 1990 after more than a decade of service, leaving behind a legacy as a cornerstone of some of the club’s most memorable modern teams and a benchmark for goalkeeping excellence at the club.

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