Debt owed to 'Parky'

KEITH PARKYN has been a great servant to youth football for most of his life. And it was a major decision, back in 1974 when he was the under-18 Muratti coach, that has kept his love affair with the game alive for so long.

He made a unique decision to substitute his goalkeeper after Guernsey had gone 2-0 down to Jersey after only 28 minutes of play.

It proved to be a master stroke as his youngsters went on to win 3-2 after extra time, with goals from Bels Priaulx coach Ray Queripel, Brian Queru and Colin de la Mare.

The late Rex Bennet remarked in his match report that Keith had made a brave decision and 'in the circumstances a lesser man would have "chickened out" and just hoped for the best but he did it unhesitatingly and unflinchingly'.

Keith explained later: 'It was not a nice thing to do but I had to think of the other lads and do what was best for the team.'

Since that great Muratti win, 'Parky' has gone on to do many things within youth football and was again fortunate enough to win the Junior Muratti in 1976.

He has also coached his beloved Belgrave Wanderers at youth level and has seen so many good players come through the Belgrave production line, such as Chris Dyer, Chris Hamon, Glyn Smith and Brian Queru.

He cites Hamon as the best junior he has worked with and almost with a tear in his eye he reflects with pride on the Bels juniors that have gone on to represent the island at senior level. He has great admiration for the likes of Dave Hearse and the de Carteret brothers and many more who have stayed loyal to the Belgrave camp.

Keith has also enjoyed many years' involvement with the Youth Development Committee and was hugely responsible with the late Martyn Le Prevost for the formation of the widely successful Soccer Schools which he insists are now being indicated by the talented youngsters at under-18 level who are the fruition of the YDC's foresight.

Keith served on the YDC for many years and has been on many youth trips in his capacity as chairman, a position he has now relinquished to Brian Mercer.

Keith has many friends in football and is from the old school of coaches who refuse to get too technical about this simple game, instead preferring his teams to give 100% at all times.

With Parky's booming voice in the dressing room and from the touchliune, it was easy not to let him down.

He is now the president of the Belgraves Football Club which he has served for more years than he cares to remember and it is an honour for a man who is respected here and in our sister isle of Jersey.