Scott Parker Credits His Working-Class Ethos to Assisting His Father, a Heinz Delivery Driver, with Early Morning Routes During His School Years.
SCOTT PARKER’S eyes gleam with memories of early morning truck drives alongside his father.
During these adventures, they would often traverse the Kent coastline while Parker shadowed his dad, Michael, on his shifts as a Heinz delivery driver — frequently indulging in delicious ice cream and visiting amusement arcades.
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Now leading Burnley, Parker fondly recalls, “As a young child, I always begged my dad to let me tag along in the truck.”
“He would occasionally pull me out of school twice a week — probably not the best choice — but we’d rise at 3am to head out on the lorry.”
“Thursdays were particularly special as he would take me along coastal routes — Ramsgate and Margate — and afterward, we’d have some fun at the amusement parks.”
“For a little kid, it was absolutely incredible. Those experiences created lasting memories.”
These treasured moments also fuel his ambition in his current managerial role, especially following a tough stretch marked by three dismissals — at Fulham, Bournemouth, and Club Brugge.
Having navigated that challenging period within just 19 turbulent months, many would assume management wasn’t in his cards — yet he successfully led both the Cottagers and the Cherries into the Premier League before each club ended his tenure.
His stint in Belgium was fleeting, lasting only 69 days and consisting of just 12 matches.
He could easily have joined the numerous voices expressing frustration over perceived injustices.
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Despite this, his only public outcry came after a painful 9-0 loss to Liverpool shortly after Bournemouth returned to the Premier League; he stated his team was “underprepared” for the league.
Just four days later, in August 2022, he was dismissed following defeats of 3-0 to Arsenal and 4-0 to Manchester City.
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When asked why he hadn’t spoken out more regarding the sackings that likely impacted him, he honestly replied, “Well, in the past four months, no one ever asked me.”
Parker, 44, appears to be someone who would prefer to dive off Margate’s Harbour Arm rather than share his true feelings.
Yet for a brief moment, he dropped his guard and admitted: “Being on the touchline that day at Anfield felt incredibly isolating.”
“I felt deep disappointment about how everything concluded, and of the three, Bournemouth still stings the most. But life continues.”
“The challenges we face and the obstacles along the way as managers are just part of the journey.”
“Some have knocked me down, but you rise, dust yourself off, and move forward. There were certainly times when it got very hard — that’s for sure.
“That’s why I took a year off after Brugge; by then, I had faced many setbacks and needed time to heal and escape the turmoil.”
“I had to reassess things and realized long ago that while feeling sorry for oneself and dwelling in negativity is permissible, I wasn’t going to go down that road.”
“Not based on how I was raised, nor 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 life.”
“It’s not a sob story; rather, my career embodies everything for my parents given our circumstances. Did I ever see myself as exceptionally gifted? Not in the slightest.”
“I never truly compared my past to my current situation. However, I am acutely aware of how vastly different things could have been for me.”
“The treasured memories of trips to Margate are beautiful — yet I also recognize that my father’s strong work ethic has significantly influenced who I am.”
“That’s what I carry with me today. I have always embodied working-class values — putting in hard work at every opportunity. It’s a fundamental part of my identity.”
“I connect with 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 inspires me to do everything I can to uplift this club.”
He is also making considerable progress, as the Clarets head to Stoke today in third place.
And the former West Ham and England midfielder emphasized, “Those journeys with my dad remain my most treasured memories due to the intricate details of those moments and places.”
“The core values instilled in me remain strong. While there have been ups and downs, it’s truly been a roller coaster.”
“But sitting next to my father in that lorry was vital in shaping who I am today, and I take immense pride in that.”
