| Jack Parkinson | |
| Fullname: | John Parkinson |
| Birth Date: | 1869 |
| Birth Place: | Blackpool, England |
| Death Date: | 20 December |
| Death Place: | Blackpool, England |
| Position: | Forward |
| Years1: | 1896–1899 |
| Years2: | 1899–1900 |
| Years3: | 1900–1910 |
| Years4: | 1910–19?? |
| Caps1: | 85 |
| Caps2: | 1 |
| Caps3: | 280 |
| Caps4: | ? |
| Totalcaps: | 366 |
| Goals1: | 32 |
| Goals2: | 0 |
| Goals3: | 23 |
| Goals4: | ? |
| Totalgoals: | 55 |
John Parkinson (1869 — 20 December 1911) was an English professional footballer. He played as a forward.
Born in Blackpool, Lancashire, Parkinson, with fifteen goals, he was top scorer for his hometown club in 1896-97, their first-ever season in the Football League; indeed, he played in the club's first Football League game, against Lincoln City on 5 September 1896. He went on to make 365 appearances for the club.[1]
He played at either centre-forward or inside-right. Later, he became provider for prolific scorers such as Jack Cox and Bob Birkett. He then switched to a midfield position, and finally centre-half, as the selection committee felt that the modern game was becoming too fast-paced for a veteran forward.
In 1899-1900, after Blackpool failed to gain re-election to the League, Parkinson played one game for Liverpool, in the Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield, but returned to Blackpool a year later when they were permitted back into the League.[1] From then, he was a virtual ever-present until he joined Barrow as manager in 1910. He was the first Blackpool player to score fifty League goals and make 400 appearances.[2]
In April 1905, Parkinson was awarded a benefit match against Liverpool.[3]
Parkinson was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Bloomfield Road, when it was officially opened by former Blackpool player Jimmy Armfield in April 2006.[1] Organised by the Blackpool Supporters Association, Blackpool fans around the world voted on their all-time heroes. Five players from each decade are inducted; Parkinson is in the pre-1950s.[4]
Parkinson later became superintendent of Corporation baths in Blackpool's Cocker Street, and lost his life there in an accident on 20 December 1911.[1] [2] He was attempting to rescue a colleague from a tank of boiling seawater when the plank on which he was standing snapped, sending Parkinson into the water as well.[3] He died shortly afterwards, aged 42.