Alex Parker

Who was Alex Parker?

Alexander "Alex" Hershaw Parker was a Scottish football player and manager who played for Falkirk, Everton and Scotland, amongst others. Parker was named in Falkirk's Team of the Millennium and Everton's Hall of Fame.

Parker, a fullback, began his career with Kello Rovers, turning semi-professional when he joined Falkirk in 1952. The highlight of Parker's time with the Bairns was their 1957 Scottish Cup victory, as they defeated Kilmarnock in a replayed final. He also became a Scotland international during this period, earning his first cap against Portugal in 1955. He was selected in the squad for the 1958 FIFA World Cup, making one appearance against Paraguay. This also transpired to be his final national team cap, which is regarded as "perverse"; former teammate Alex Young stated that Parker was still the best player in his position in Britain. Parker also represented the Scottish League XI.

Parker moved to Merseyside in 1958 when Everton paid £18,000 for his transfer, although his Toffees debut was delayed by his requirement to fulfil National Service in Cyprus.