He may be gone, but Scott Parker is not forgotten. Our writer Chris Henry chooses his top five Scott Parker moments
5. Parker v Boro
Despite being such an industrious and combative midfielder, there are those rare occasions where Scott Parker came up with a beautifully crafted goal. This one came in the final minutes of an impressive away victory against Middlesbrough. With the game in deadlock and it looking to be a 1-1 draw, John Paintsil set up Parker for a mazy run inside the box which was followed by a curled effort by a cool and collected Parker. A great three points for the Hammers in a time where things looked to be getting back on track.
4. Parker v Wigan (Autumn 2010)
In a game that was famously dubbed a ‘Save Our Season’ match, West Ham turned in a rare impressive home performance and recorded only their second win of the ill-fated Avram Grant campaign. Atmosphere was high at Upton Park and it was clear the team were buoyed by the fans presence and this was arguably an important factor in claiming three valuable points. Sixty minutes in, the Hammers were leading 2-0 but pessimists would always know, sometimes that doesn’t always make certain of three points for the Hammers. On the 75th minute, fans worries were eased when Scott Parker fired in the third goal to guarantee a valuable victory over fellow strugglers Wigan. It was not the manner in which Parker scored, but more the celebration; grabbing his shirt and firing up the home crowd in a look that bordered on insanity. You could see it in his face that that goal mattered.
3. Parker v Liverpool
Things were looking bleak for the Hammers at this point, with an upcoming run of tough fixtures to come; a victory was needed desperately to boost the Hammers chances of survival. What made things worse was they were facing a rejuvenated Liverpool side under new manager Kenny Dalglish and new arrival Luis Suarez. The West Ham team that played that game was one that fans had not been treated to in a long while. It was a team that played with conviction and passion and ultimately one that played well. Parker got the party going with a wonderfully inspired effort; finding the ball at his feet just outside the penalty area, Parker dinked the ball past Reina to make it 1-0 to the Hammers. A contender for goal of the season, Parker celebrated in jubilant fashion running up to the Sky cameras and landing a wet kiss on it in a way which echoed Steven Gerrard against Manchester United. Things looked to be on the way up for the Hammers and this victory was seen as a great platform for future victories, how wrong this was and disappointing considering the mood in Upton Park that day.
2. Parker v Spurs
In the wake of impressive victories over Liverpool and Stoke, the Hammers faced a tough trip to Spurs. With Spurs still ambitious for European football again and the Hammers fighting for their lives, this would be a lively encounter. A 0-0 draw was the end result and a fair and deserved point it was for the Hammers. Parker once again put in a great display but what is worth mentioning is the story that surrounds his performance that day. Scott Parker’s father had sadly passed away less than 24 hours before kick-off, but it was Parker’s decision to play on despite the heartbreak was undoubtedly a sign of true professionalism and the mark of a real player. Parker would then go on to represent his country in an important European qualifier against Wales, something I’m sure his father was no doubt proud of.
1. Parker v Wigan (Spring 2010)
The Hammers yet again struggling (bit of a cliché isn’t it?), a win would practically ensure safety if Hull were to lose. Survival you say? And achieved with games to spare? Most Hammers sceptics doubted that Hammers could pull this off but remarkably this was achieved but in somewhat dramatic fashion. Visiting Wigan (who were safe) took the lead frustratingly, this however did not deter the Hammers and they managed to claw a 2-1 lead over the Latics only then to be pegged again by a Wigan equaliser. With the game tied, Hull losing, the Hammers needed to win. And who of course was there to save the day? Scott Parker of course! Out of nowhere, Parker, running with the ball to the penalty area, fired a rocket of a shot into the back of the Wigan net and send the West Ham crowd into ecstasy. Parker once again celebrated in expressive fashion, running over to manager Gianfranco Zola and embracing him with a strong and emotional hug. The final whistle went and the Hammers were practically safe. If ever there was a moment to confirm Parker’s importance and hero status at Upton Park, this was it.
