Today marks the end of Scott Parker's time in the claret and blue. Having arrived in 2007, his early days were marked by injuries and his £7million price tag was starting to raise some questions.
It was only the following season that he moved into a pivotal role within the team. This resulted in him winning the Hammer of The Year award at the end of the 08/09 season. Parker would later go on to retain the award the following season (the first to do so since Julian Dicks in '97).As a player, Parker embodied a lot of what we look for as fans. 100 per cent commitment each game, grit and determination. Scotty was never shy of a tackle, nor did he go missing when the going got tough. At a time where the team needed guiding, our players turned to Scott for inspiration. An absent captain and a clueless manager mattered not to Scott, who just got on with his business as usual.
He leaves us with plenty of good memories, though they are personal highlights as opposed to team success. This is because of poor management, lack of effort on his team mates behalf and a general feel-bad atmosphere surrounding the club. Amidst it all, Parker was a sight for sore eyes with his energy and belief. Leading by example, Scott often pulled his teammates through games using sheer will power.
When building a team, any manager worth his salt will look for a Scott Parker type player. A hard worker, willing to put himself in harm's way for the cause. This endeared him to us. A great testament to the man's character was the way he handled his personal affairs last season. Losing his father to illness a day prior to a very important away match against bitter rivals Tottenham, Scott showed great professionalism and lead the team to a 0-0 draw.
To get through a game after such an ordeal speaks volumes for the true getnleman that he is. Another memorable moment is the famous half-time teamtalk at The Hawthorns. 3-0 down at the break, Parker took over the dressing room to try and rally his troops. His speech left Carlton Cole with tears in his eyes. The game ended 3-3.
Not even Parker, who won the 'Football Writers' Player of the Year' award, could save West Ham from relegation last season. Having signed a contract extension with a considerable pay rise it was clear that the club would not be able to keep hold of him in the Championship. Parker knew his England place was far from certain, and a season in the fizzy pop ahead of the Euro 2012 finals could do him a disservice. The club, on the other hand, needed to get him off the books and re-invest the money into the team.
Towards the end of his time with us, there were voices questioning his commitment and effort. He was accused of bottling challenges in order to avoid injuries. I for one don't believe this to be true. Not after what we've been through and the way he went about his business.
The character he's shown in recent years should forever be engraved in the minds of West Ham supporters. Parker's official transfer request on August 30th was a hard pill to swallow. It meant the player had waived any loyalty bouns owed to him, whilst expressing his desires in public for the very first time following the club's relegation.
It's never easy is it? Letting go of your favourite players. You start rationalising the move, saying it's best for both parties, questioning his commitment and looking for the positive aspects of the sale. In reality though, he will be missed both as a player and as a person. In his absence, fans and players will turn to Kevin Nolan for proper leadership, a quality he quite clearly possesses.
The money recieved for Parker could be of real use for Big Sam, who wants to bulk up his paper-thin squad. The gaffer admits he is looking for at least two additions, one of which will surely be a midfielder.
So today, we bid farewell to a player who was nothing but a credit to the claret and blue. He may be leaving us to join Tottenham, but he should be remembered for his never-ending effort when pulling on our shirt. A true gent and one of a choice few who have earned the right to leave the club on amicable terms.
Should our club win promotion this season, Parker's first game back in a Tottenham shirt promises to be an interesting affair. Best of luck in the future, Scott. Your pirouettes will surely be missed.
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