Parkinson: Keith James (Keith)

1973-1981 (Player Details)

Centre Half

Born: Preston: 28-01-1956

Debut: v Middlesbrough (h) (Substitute): 21-02-1976

6’1” 12st 6lb (1981)

Walton-le-Dale-born Parkinson was educated there and played representative football for Preston Boys, the Lancashire Schoolboys and had trials for the North Schoolboy team before joining the Leeds groundstaff as an apprentice during the 1971-72 season. Parkinson was a centre-forward when he first came to Leeds but was coverted to a centre-half, after signing as a professional. A wholehearted player, Parkinson signed professional forms for Leeds in February 1973 after serving his apprenticeship. With Gordon McQueen as the regular centre-half and the ever adaptable Paul Madeley always available, there was initially not much chance for anything but the odd appearance. With the sale of the towering Scotsman, the equally commanding Paul Hart took over the regular duties at centre-half. Parkinson had to be content with spasmodic appearances in case of injury, sometimes even as left back, and he became a reserve side regular in central defence. He was confined to the reserve and junior sides throughout much of his time at Elland Road. He was unfortunate with injuries and broke his cheekbone in his full-debut at Middlesbrough in October 1977. He also sustained a cut to his knee in training which required stitches but with Gordon McQueen suspended Parkinson was pressed into service as his deputy. He suffered knee ligament damage and was forced to have an operation, which saw him sidelined for a substantial period. After spending a month on loan at Hull City in November 1981, where he made just one substitute appearance, he joined Doncaster Rovers on a free transfer and as a non-contract player in January 1982. He only played five League games at Doncaster before being told by Billy Bremner he had no future in football and so he retired in December 1982 at the age of twenty-six. He became a policeman, joining the West Yorkshire Police Force in March 1983 and served at Millgarth, Pudsey, Dewsbury and then Cleckheaton and Batley. He lives in New Farnley and was in charge of Thornes FC Under-Fifteens where he put his coaching badge to good use. He has now over twenty-five years service in the Police Force.