Parlane was a lanky centre-forward who had enjoyed much success
with Rangers in Scotland, picking up 2 championships, 3 Scottish FA
Cups and 2 Scottish League Cups and much was expected of him when he
came to Elland Road. He never really lived up to his billing, and
although the team a a whole wasn't playing well, Parlane's failure to
score goals did nothing to endear him to the fans who thought he
always tried to take too long on the ball. He had a loan spell in Hong
Kong before finding another English home at Maine Road, and then
returned to the far east after a brief stay with Swansea. He came back
to England via Racing Jet of Belgium, linking up with Eddie Gray at
Rochdale and then joining Gordon McQueen, who was managing Airdrie at
the time.
Anonymous says: Yes I saw Parlane play on many occasions. Without
doubt the most memorable was against Bayern Munich at Ibrox in the
European Cup Winners Cup semi-final in 1972. At the New Year's Day
game against Celtic that year the fans were singing: "Born is the king
of Ibrox Park". Wonderful memories from a truly great Rangers and
Leeds player.
Wil & Geeta Siersma
say: We are very close friends of Derek and have lost contact with
him. We would like very much to get back in touch with him - we have
been trying to do so for some time now. Can you help?? Jabba says -
if anybody knows, please drop them a line.
Anonymous says: Derek now works for Reebok UK as a sales
manager.
David Craig says: Derek was and still is my fav player of all time.
I can still remember one shot against Dundee United at Ibrox when he
came on as a sub and his first touch from well outside the box hit the
bar but did not go in.
Sandra Daly says: Does anybody know what Derek is doing these days
and where he is living. I used to dodge school to go and see him train
at Ibrox, he was the best Rangers player ever and he was such a nice
guy.
David Craig says: Does anyone know where i can get any pics of
derek playing for glasgow rangers.
Thelma Wagner nee Parlane says: Read the wonderful comments on
Derek Parlane's soccer career. We were in Scotland 2 years ago and
met with his family. Everyone knew of Derek's fame. I am proud to be
a 2nd cousin from Canada. Thelma Wagner nee Parlane. My father,
Arthur Parlane was born in Rhu.
Sean Clarke says: If this is the same Derek Parlane that for a time
played football in Hong Kong, then I know him and would like to
re-establish contact.
Gillian (lesbluets@hotmail.com) says: I met Derek when he was playing in Belgium for Racing
Jette. Unfortunately he had to leave the club and went back to the UK
and than we lost contact. So anybody, if you can help me get back in
touch with Derek, I would apreciate that very much. Thanks a
million.
Alfonso Geraci says: I remember in the early Eighties my Mum
surprising my father (a great connoisseur of football) in front of the
Tv set re-watching a Leeds-Coventry match screened only a couple of
days before: he defended himself on the grounds that "the goals were
beautiful": he was referring to a classy lob from Parlane's
head. Derek Parlane was very highly rated in Italy back in the late
Seventies and actually Juventus FC would have surely signed him if
only foreign players were then allowed in the serie A - which they
weren't."Peccato" as we say: anyway Parlane was definetely a great
centre-forward and I seem to remember he scored a winner against
England once.
John Munro says: Hello Derek, hope you're reading this, hope you
and family are all well. I'm still living in Gateshead, Finlay Wallace
is here too,and Ally Perry from Arrochar but I've not seen him for
ages. If you know where Gordon is in Amsterdam I'm going soon, cause
he owes me a beer. Found you on the net give us a shout if you're up
in bobby robson's wonderland keep well my friend, john munro
(cardross)
Helen Chisholm (nee Murray) says: Hi my family grew up near Derek
in Hall Road, Rhu, my brother Euan Murray was Derek`s best pal and
would like to get back in touch. Euan is now living in Carradale,
Kintyre and is unable to work because he suffered severe injuries in a
car accident in 1983. Would be great if he could hear from Derek
again.Derek if you are reading this do you remember me, wee Helen the
youngest of the Murrays, I used to pull you and Euan around in a
sledge ? You said to my mother that I was as strong as a horse! I`ve
got five kids myself now aged between 3 and 13 and live in Fife. Hope
to hear from you.
Bob Beaken says: I worked with Derek from 1988 to 1990 in the
sports business. When my wife and I became very good friends with
Derek and Julie. We still keep in touch but not as regularly as we
should. I also met Wil Siersma at this time and have Derek's phone no
if anyone wants to mail me for the info. we played a five a side game
within the company and I have to say he's not such a prolific stiker
as me. Well that is not surprising as I played with Gerd Muller in the
states and in one game that we won convincingly I scored 4 to Gerdy's
3!!
Jeppo says: i no derek parlane and is son ross they live near to me
and i went on holiday with them.they live near to Blackpool
Audrey and Jack spence say: We met Derek and his wife Julie whilst
on holiday in Minorca a number of years ago.Julie was expecting her
baby at the time, and as we were staying in the same complex we shared
a hired car. They then lived in Wilmslow (Cheshire) but moved away
after their son Ross was born. We would love to hear from him and
Julie to recall the laughs we had whilst holidaying in Minorca.
yvonne parlane says: hello I am yvonne parlane derek parlane's
second cousin.Derek say's to say hi to every1 he knows and is well.He
would like to thank all his loyal fans and friends who have supported
him throughout his legendary career.He was an inspiration to me
throughout my childhood,he is an absolutly great man and very caring
tom stockdale says: hi derek, never met you but seen you play for
rangers many many times you where always my favourite player (who was
derek johnston again?)anyway thanks for the memories
ross parlane says: dad ur da best lol
david bryce says: derek is living in lytham st annes lancs
gus jacobs says: great vision and reader good solid finisher
marion says: Parlane will always be the king of Ibrox. I first saw
Derek play at Queen's Park and, almost, never missed any game he
played with Rangers. He was always a gentleman and a true blue.
Joe Willcock says: If Derek played football the way he plays table
tennis, he must have been one hell of a player. Did you enjoy the
holiday Ross, how's the eye. All the very best Derek, hope we meet
again
Maureen McEachnie says: Derek was my favourite Rangers player- met
hima couple of times outside Ibrox when I should have been at
school. Happy memories! Would love to know what he is doing now.
david craig says: Hi there does anyone know where i can get pics of
derek playing for the greatest team in the world glasgow rangers.
Roy McLellan says: Great to hear Derek and family are well. I was
just a boy going to Ibrox with my dad when I watched the big chap in
action for the Teddy Bears. He was part of a team that inspired and
entertained and which won so many honours that us wee Rangers fans
grew up with the feeling that our team was, is, invincible, Even if
that's no longer strictly true, that belief serves fans and players
well to this day as a source of pride and motivation. I salute you big
man! Pop up and do the half time draw sometime so I can give you a
right good cheer!
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