Ben Parker (footballer)

Benjamin Brian Colin Parker (born 8 November 1987) is a former English footballer who now works for Leeds United as a pundit on LUTV (Leeds United TV) and as a community link officer. During his playing days, he was a left-back, though can also play at centre-back.

Ben Parker
Parker pictured playing for Leeds United in January 2011.
Personal information
Full name Benjamin Brian Colin Parker[1]
Date of birth (1987-11-08) 8 November 1987
Place of birth Pontefract, England
Height 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Position(s) Left back
Number 3
Youth career
1995–2002 Leeds United
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2005–2012 Leeds United 39 (1)
2006–2007 → Bradford City (loan) 39 (0)
2008 → Darlington (loan) 14 (0)
2012 → Carlisle United (loan) 5 (1)
2013–2016 Guiseley 67 (0)
2016–2018 Harrogate Town 61 (1)
National team
2002–2003 England U16 5 (0)
2004 England U17 3 (0)
2005 England U18 1 (0)
2005–2006 England U19 7 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 13:09, 28 December 2017 (UTC)

He started his career with Leeds United, but gained his first taste of senior football at Bradford City, spending the 2006–07 season on loan at the club. He then spent part of the following season on loan at Darlington. Injuries meant that he made a limited contribution to the 2009–10 campaign, as Leeds won promotion out of League One. He was loaned out to Carlisle United in January 2011, and was released by Leeds in April 2012. He has also represented England at under-16, under-17, under-18, and under-19 levels.

Club career

Leeds United

Born in Pontefract, England, Parker started his career with Leeds United, but made his full debut during the 2006–07 season while on loan at local rivals Bradford City.[2] He made his first team debut for the "Bantams" on 5 August, in a 1–0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.[3] On 5 October, Leeds caretaker manager John Carver said that if Parker's appearances were being limited at Bradford then the club would rather he came back to Leeds and fought for a first team place there than sitting on the bench at Valley Parade.[4] The loan spell was extended in late December, indicating new Leeds manager Dennis Wise wanted him to gain as much experience as possible before plunging him into the new look Leeds side. He played a total of 41 games for Bradford during his loan spell, as the club suffered relegation into League Two, and then returned to Leeds, who themselves suffered relegation into League One.

In May 2007, Parker was offered a new contract by Leeds United.[5] He made his full debut for Leeds in a 1–0 win over Macclesfield Town in the League Cup on 14 August.[6] Four days later, Parker made his league and home debut as a substitute in a 4–1 win over Southend United.[7]

Having made 15 appearances for Leeds during the 2007–08 season, he was transferred to Dave Penney's Darlington on a one-month loan deal in February 2008.[8] He made his Darlington debut on 1 March, in a 3–1 victory over Brentford at The Darlington Arena.[9] Parker played seven games for the "Quakers" during March, before extending his loan spell until the end of the season.[10] On 26 April, he was sent off as Darlington went from leading 2–0 to losing 3–2 to Dagenham & Redbridge.[11] He missed the final game of the season against Peterborough United but returned for the first leg League Two play-off semi-final victory over Rochdale.[12] However, he was not used in the second leg, as Darlington were beaten on penalties.[13]

He returned to Leeds for the 2008–09 season, and scored his first goal for the club with a 35-yard shot in a 5–2 win in an FA Cup first round replay against Northampton Town at Sixfields on 17 November.[14] He had a strong end to the season, becoming the "Whites" first choice left-back. He was linked with a move to Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2009.[15] He was a major part in the opening goal of the play-off semi-final second leg against Millwall in which he made a blistering 70-yard run to cross for Luciano Becchio to fire home from six-yards. However, Leeds lost the tie 2–1 on aggregate.[16] At the season's end he was given the Chairman's Special award, along with Jonathan Douglas.[17]

In July 2009, Parker signed an extension to his contract which would keep him at Elland Road until summer 2012.[18] Parker assisted a goal for Jermaine Beckford in the season opening 2–1 win against Exeter City, before he suffered a hamstring injury and was substituted.[19] His hamstring injury kept him out for several weeks, and he then suffered a setback and had to have an operation on his hip. During his absence, he was covered by makeshift left-back Andy Hughes, with Aidy White, Shane Lowry and Tony Capaldi also covering the position. In late December, Parker returned to training, but he aggravated the injury in a reserve team game the following month. After finally recovering to full fitness he made two substitute appearances in April, before picking up a calf injury after starting the game against Milton Keynes Dons.[20] Despite missing their first-choice left-back, Leeds were promoted to the Championship as runners up in the 2009–10 season. In April, the Chairman's Special Award was given to Parker by Ken Bates for the second successive year.[21]

Parker's injury ruled him out of all the 2010–11 pre-season. He returned to training in late September, and manager Simon Grayson told the press that Parker would be back for selection for the first team in late October.[22] His comeback had been steady and he played in a series of reserve team games to help build his match fitness after so long on the sidelines.[23] On 4 January, after an 18-month battle with injury, Parker returned to the "Peacocks" starting lineup against Cardiff City, replacing regular left-back George McCartney who returned to Sunderland from his loan spell.[24] Four days later, Parker played in a 1–1 draw against Premier League club Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, and gave away a 90th-minute penalty after fouling Theo Walcott, which was converted to leave the final score at 1–1.[25] Parker lost his place when Leeds re-signed George McCartney and he also began suffering with further injuries.

In July 2011, Parker returned to fitness and had the opportunity to reclaim his left-back position.[26] He started the 2011–12 pre-season as United's first choice left back, however his injury nightmare returned when he had to be substituted against Sheffield Wednesday after a heavy challenge; he was replaced by Hungarian trialist Boldizsár Bodor.[27] Parker made his first start of the season on 9 August against Bradford City in Leeds' 3–2 victory in the League Cup. After that Parker would miss out on several more games due to injury.[28] He returned to training during mid-December.[29] Parker then admitted he needed a loan move in order to re-gain his match sharpness after an injury hit two-and-a-half years.[30] Parker was also vocal about the club's regime about the sale of Jonny Howson, the sale prompted mass protests amongst Leeds supporters; enraged by what they perceived as a lack of ambition after failure to hold on to several key players in recent seasons and minimal investment in the first team squad.[31] Howson's long-term friend Parker rejected the club's claims that midfielder wanted to leave the club at a fans forum whilst negotiations were taking place.[32]

On 26 January, he joined Greg Abbott's Carlisle United on a one-month loan.[33][34] Parker scored his first goal for Carlisle and his first ever league goal on his debut at Brunton Park against Chesterfield in a 2–1 win on 4 February.[35] After playing five games for the "Cumbrians" in his one-month loan, he returned to Leeds United.[36] On 16 April, manager Neil Warnock agreed to terminate Parker's contract by mutual consent after seven years at the club.[37][38] Despite being released Parker continued to train with Leeds in order to keep fit whilst he searched for a new club.[39]

Parker signed with Bury on non-contract terms in December 2012.[40] However the transfer was never ratified as the club was placed under a transfer embargo by the Football League before the paperwork was completed.[41]

At the start of the 2013/14 season, Parker who was at that time without a club, featured as a co-commentator alongside Adam Pope for several of Leeds United's games on BBC Radio Leeds.

Guiseley

At the Start of Mark Bower's reign, Parker joined Guiseley. He was named the club captain of Guiseley at the start of the 2014–15 season.

Harrogate

He signed for Harrogate Town in 2016. On 13 May 2018, Harrogate won the National League North playoffs for the 2017/18 season beating Brackley Town in the playoff final earning promotion to the National League.[42] As the season concluded, Parker decided to leave the playing squad, but remained in charge of the club's Player Development Centre.[43]

International career

Parker has represented England at under-16, under-17, under-18, and under-19 levels. He was part of the under-17 squad at the 2004 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship.

Career statistics
As of match played 26 December 2017
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Leeds United 2005–06[44] Championship 0000000000
2006–07[45] 000000—00
2007–08[46] League One 9020202[lower-alpha 1]0150
2008–09[47] 24021203[lower-alpha 2]0311
2009–10[48] 4000000040
2010–11[49] Championship 202000—40
2011–12[50] 000010—10
Leeds total 390615050551
Bradford City (loan) 2006–07[45] League One 39010001[lower-alpha 1]0410
Darlington (loan) 2007–08[46] League Two 140——00140
Carlisle United (loan) 2011–12[50] League One 5100—0051
Guiseley 2013–14[51] Conference North 28000—2[lower-alpha 3]1301
2014–15[51] 19010—1[lower-alpha 3]0210
2015–16[51] National League 20020—3[lower-alpha 3]0250
Guiseley total 670300061761
Harrogate Town 2016–17[51] National League North 30010—00310
2017–18[51] 17100—1[lower-alpha 3]0181
Harrogate total 471100010491
Career total 2112111501312404
  1. Appearances in the Football League Trophy
  2. One appearance in the Football League Trophy and two in the League One play-offs
  3. Appearances in the FA Trophy

Honours
Leeds United
Harrogate Town

References
  1. Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2009). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2009–10. Mainstream Publishing. p. 324. ISBN 978-1-84596-474-0.
  2. "Bantams beat Blackpool to Graham". BBC Sport. 28 July 2006. Retrieved 27 July 2013.
  3. "Nottm Forest 1–0 Bradford". BBC Sport. 5 August 2006. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
  4. "Carver may recall Parker". Sky Sports. 5 October 2006. Archived from the original on 11 March 2007. Retrieved 6 October 2006.
  5. "New Deals". LeedsUnited.com. 18 May 2007. Archived from the original on 20 May 2007. Retrieved 18 May 2007.
  6. "Macclesfield 0–1 Leeds". BBC Sport. 14 August 2007. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
  7. "Leeds 4–1 Southend". BBC Sport. 18 August 2007. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
  8. "Leeds loan for Villa's O'Halloran". BBC Sport. 28 February 2008. Archived from the original on 3 March 2008. Retrieved 28 February 2008.
  9. "Darlington 3–1 Brentford". BBC Sport. 1 March 2008. Archived from the original on 5 March 2008. Retrieved 1 March 2008.
  10. "Quakers seal deals for loan trio". BBC Sport. 27 March 2008. Archived from the original on 3 April 2008. Retrieved 27 March 2008.
  11. "Darlington 2–3 Dag & Red". BBC Sport. 26 April 2008. Archived from the original on 29 April 2008. Retrieved 28 April 2008.
  12. "Darlington 2–1 Rochdale". BBC Sport. 10 May 2008. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
  13. Holt, Sarah (17 May 2008). "Rochdale 2–1 Darlington (agg 3–3)". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
  14. "Northampton 2–5 Leeds". BBC Sport. 17 November 2008. Retrieved 17 November 2008.
  15. "Leeds have had no bids – Grayson". BBC Sport. 8 January 2009. Retrieved 27 July 2013.
  16. "Leeds United 1 Millwall 1: Match report". The Daily Telegraph. London. 14 May 2009. Retrieved 14 May 2009.
  17. "Beckford and Delph win top awards". BBC Sport. 15 April 2009. Retrieved 27 July 2013.
  18. "Parker pens extended Leeds deal". BBC Sport. 8 July 2009. Retrieved 27 July 2013.
  19. "Returning Players Boost For Boss". Leeds United. 6 October 2010. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
  20. "Leeds United 4 – 1 MK Dons". BBC Sport. 24 April 2010. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
  21. "Beckford and Delph win top awards". BBC Sport. 15 April 2009. Retrieved 25 February 2011.
  22. "McCartney will strengthen Leeds – Grayson". BBC News. 23 September 2010.
  23. "Ross Bags Hat-Trick In Reserves Success". Leeds United. 16 November 2010. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
  24. "Unbeaten Run Ends At Cardiff". Leeds United. 4 January 2011. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
  25. "Late Leveller Denies United Arsenal Scalp". Leeds United. 8 January 2011. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
  26. "Leeds United: Parker's hoping to prove his worth again – Latest Whites News". Yorkshire Evening Post. 8 July 2011. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
  27. "Honours Even At Hillsborough". Leeds United. 23 July 2011. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
  28. "Nunez Double Seals Cup Progress". Leeds United. 9 August 2011. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
  29. "Sun out again for Somma". Yorkshire Evening Post. 12 December 2011. Retrieved 12 December 2011.
  30. "Honest Ben's two years of torture". Leeds United A.F.C. 21 December 2011. Retrieved 21 December 2011.
  31. "Norwich Signing Howson Upsets Leeds Fans". Tribal Football. 25 January 2012.
  32. "Ben Parker on Jonny Howson". The Football Network. 25 January 2012.
  33. "Defender Heads North On Loan". Leeds United. 26 January 2012. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
  34. "Carlisle United sign Ben Parker from Leeds United". BBC Sport. 26 January 2012. Retrieved 27 July 2013.
  35. "Ben Parker levelled the scores on his Carlisle home debut". BBC. 4 February 2012. Retrieved 4 February 2012.
  36. "Reserves to take on Middlesbrough..." Leeds United Official Site. 28 February 2012. Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  37. "Duo set to leave Elland road". Leeds United A.F.C. 16 April 2012. Retrieved 16 April 2012.
  38. "Ben Parker and Mika Vayrynen leave Leeds United". BBC Sport. 16 April 2012. Retrieved 27 July 2013.
  39. "Chairman pays tribute to ben". Leeds United A.F.C. 18 April 2012. Retrieved 18 April 2012.
  40. "Bury sign former Leeds United defender". BBC Sport. 6 December 2012. Retrieved 27 July 2013.
  41. "Bury placed under transfer embargo by Football League". BBC Sport. 10 December 2012. Retrieved 27 July 2013.
  42. "Harrogate Town win play-off final". Stray FM. 13 May 2018. Retrieved 13 May 2018.
  43. "Ben Parker Departs Squad". Harrogate Town AFC. Archived from the original on 18 October 2018. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  44. "Games played by Ben Parker in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 22 September 2012.
  45. "Games played by Ben Parker in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 22 September 2012.
  46. "Games played by Ben Parker in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 22 September 2012.
  47. "Games played by Ben Parker in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 22 September 2012.
  48. "Games played by Ben Parker in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 22 September 2012.
  49. "Games played by Ben Parker in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 22 September 2012.
  50. "Games played by Ben Parker in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 22 September 2012.
  51. Ben Parker at Soccerway. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
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