Wolves legend Phil Parkes dies aged 79

Former Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Phil Parkes has died at the age of 79, the BBC reported on 8 August 2026. Parkes made 382 first-team appearances for Wolves during his long association with the club.

Parkes joined Wolverhampton Wanderers as a schoolboy and spent 18 years with the club between 1960 and 1978, making his first-team debut in 1966. He was part of the Wolves side that reached the Uefa Cup final in 1972, losing on aggregate to Tottenham Hotspur. After leaving Wolves he finished his playing career in North America, including spells at Vancouver Whitecaps and Chicago Sting.

Former team-mate John Richards spoke to BBC Radio WM and said: "It's a sad day, I've had so many calls this morning from former players and friends of Phil just passing on their best wishes and thoughts and prayers to the family."

Richards added: "You've got to bear in mind Phil has been part of the Wolves family for the best part of 70 years. He's going to be a big loss."

He also recalled Parkes's character, saying: "He was one of the people who would have your back. He looked frightening but he was the opposite. He was a big gentle giant until one of his friends was in trouble and then he was there to protect everybody."

After retiring from playing in 1983, Parkes served on the committee of Wolves' former players association and was inducted into the club's hall of fame in 2023. Wolves said Parkes had suffered a fall at home in 2025 that led to him spending the rest of his life under medical supervision.

Wolves said: "The thoughts and prayers are with Lofty's loved ones at this sad time. Details on further club tributes will follow."