Hall of Fame 2017: Cliff Parker HD

The first inductee into the 2017 Pompey Hall of Fame is Cliff Parker, who is this season awarded the posthumous award. Parker will forever be the man most associated with Pompey’s first ever FA Cup triumph back in 1939. Signed from Doncaster in 1933, his forte was delivering precise crosses into the box from the left side of the pitch. And he certainly took the accolades from that Wembley victory over Wolves, who were hot favourites to lift the trophy. But after the Blues had taken a shock two-goal lead, Parker bundled home a third after Bob Scott had saved from Bert Barlow. As he wheeled away in delight, he quipped: “This is my first, Scotty – I’m coming back for another.” And Parker was true to his work. His firm header from Freddie Worrall’s cross beat the keeper to cement a glorious triumph. He scored a total of 63 goals in 258 appearances, later playing a limited role as Pompey became champions of England in successive seasons after the war. Parker’s playing career spanned 20 years from 1933 to 1953, when he became scout and then trainer before settling on the Isle of Wight. For more exclusive content, head to Pompey Player: http://www.player.portsmouthfc.co.uk/archive