Scott Parker Attributes His Working-Class Spirit to Helping His Heinz Delivery Driver Father with Early Morning Routes During School Years

SCOTT PARKER’S eyes continue to gleam with memories of early morning lorry rides alongside his father.

Occasionally, they would travel the Kent coastline while Parker accompanied his dad, Michael, during his shifts as a Heinz delivery driver — often followed by sweet treats of ice cream and trips to amusement arcades.

1

Now leading Burnley, Parker fondly remembers, “As a young boy, I always urged my dad to take me on the lorries.

“He would pull me out of school twice weekly — probably not the best choice — but we’d wake up at 3am to get the lorry.

“Thursdays were special, as he’d take me on coastal routes — Ramsgate, Margate — and treat me to amusement park fun afterward.

“For a young child, that was amazing. Those experiences created unforgettable memories.”

These moments also helped instill the determination that fuels him in his current managerial role, after navigating a tough period with three sackings — at Fulham, Bournemouth, and Club Brugge.

Having faced that series of setbacks within just 19 tumultuous months, many would assume management wasn’t his destiny — yet he managed to lead both the Cottagers and Cherries into the Premier League before each club ended his tenure.

His spell in Belgium lasted a mere 69 days and included just 12 matches.

He could have joined the ranks of disgruntled voices railing against perceived injustices.

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS

However, his only public complaint came after a disheartening 9-0 loss to Liverpool shortly after Bournemouth returned to the Premier League; he mentioned his squad was “unequipped” for the top tier.

Just four days later, in August 2022, he was dismissed following defeats of 3-0 to Arsenal and 4-0 against Manchester City.

Scott Parker discusses the challenges of coaching Fulham

When asked why he hadn’t spoken out more about the sackings that may have impacted him deeply, he honestly replied, “Well, in the last four months, nobody ever asked me.”

Parker, 44, gives the impression that he would prefer to jump off Margate’s Harbour Arm than expose his true feelings.

Yet, for an instant, he lowered his defenses and shared: “Standing on the touchline that day at Anfield was an incredibly lonely experience.

“I felt a lot of disappointment with how it all ended, and of the three, Bournemouth still stings the most. But life moves on.

“The challenges we face and the bumps along the way as managers are merely parts of the journey.

“Some have knocked me down, but you get back up, brush yourself off, and carry on. There were certainly times when things got very tough — that is undeniable.

“That’s why I took a year off after Brugge; at that moment, I had faced many blows and needed healing, needed a break from the chaos.

“I had to reevaluate and understood a long time ago that while it’s fine to feel sorry for yourself and indulge in negativity, I wasn’t going to do that.

“Not with how I was raised, not from my background — the Lettsom Estate in Camberwell, inner London.

“My dad was a lorry driver, and my mum a special needs teacher; that was our reality.

“It’s not a sob story, but my career represented everything for my parents given our circumstances. Did I ever think I had remarkable talent? Not at all.

“I never really compared my past to my current situation. But I am keenly aware of how vastly different things might have been for me.

“The treasured memories of trips to Margate are delightful — yet I also recognize that my father’s work ethic has deeply influenced me.

“That’s what I embody today. I have always represented working-class values — putting in hard work at every opportunity. It’s a fundamental part of who I am.

“I relate to the people at whatever club I’m part of. They’re working-class folks, just like those here at Burnley because I’m one of them.

“Being one of them motivates me to do everything possible to uplift this club.”

He is making notable progress, too; the Clarets head to Stoke today sitting in third place.

And the former West Ham and England midfielder emphasized, “Those journeys with my dad remain my fondest memories due to the intricate details of those times and places.

“The core values instilled in me are still strong. Although there have been setbacks and triumphs, it’s definitely a roller coaster ride.

“But sitting beside my father in that lorry played a crucial role in shaping who I am today, and I take pride in that.”