Garry Parker

Garry Parker (born 7 September 1965 in Oxford) is an English former professional footballer. He is currently first team coach at Championship side Bolton Wanderers.

As a player he was a midfielder from 1983 to 2001, notably in the Premier League for Aston Villa and Leicester City. He also played for Luton Town, Hull City and Nottingham Forest. He was capped by his country at under-21 and B international level. In 2001 he became caretaker manager of Leicester City.

Club career

Luton Town

Parker was a cultured midfield player through whom teams would gain their creativity in goalscoring chances. He signed as an apprentice with Luton Town in 1982 and made his first team debut the following year.

Parker's progress under David Pleat at Luton was gradual owing to the presence in the midfield of England international Ricky Hill. Although Parker featured in 33 League matches over the next two seasons – plus a starting place in the 1985 FA Cup semi final defeat to Everton – he became frustrated at the lack of regular football and looked for a move in the summer of 1986.