Former Wolves goalkeeper Phil Parkes has died at the age of 79, the club confirmed on Saturday. The former player suffered a fall at his home in 2025 and remained under medical supervision until his death, according to a club statement.
"Legendary Wolves goalkeeper Phil Parkes sadly passed away this morning at the age of 79," a statement posted to the club's website on Saturday read. "The Hall of Fame inductee, affectionately nicknamed 'Lofty' due to his 6'4" frame, spent 18 years at Wolves and is known as one of the greatest ever goalkeepers to represent the club."
Parkes joined the Midlands club as a schoolboy in 1960 and made his senior debut six years later, saving a penalty in a 3-2 victory over Preston North End. He chalked up 382 appearances during his 18-year spell at Wolves. A highlight of his career was helping Wolves reach the UEFA Cup final in 1972, which they lost on aggregate to Tottenham.
Parkes still holds the record for the most consecutive league games played at Wolves, tallying 127 games in a row during the early 1970s. He departed Wolves in 1978 and retired five years later in 1983. Following his retirement, he served on the committee of Wolves' former players association.
Tributes from team-mates
Former team-mate John Richards paid tribute on BBC Radio WM on Saturday, describing it as a sad day. "I've had so many calls this morning from former players and friends of Phil just passing on their best wishes and thoughts and prayers to the family," Richards said.
"You've got to bear in mind Phil has been part of the Wolves family for the best part of 70 years," Richards added. "He's going to be a big loss. He was one of the people who would have your back. He looked frightening but he was the opposite."
Richards described Parkes as a gentle giant who protected his friends whenever someone was in trouble. "He was known as Lofty or the big man and he lived up to it in a lot of ways," Richards said. "He had a big heart as well."
Memories of his career
Asked in 2024 how he would like his Wolves career to be remembered, Parkes reflected fondly on his time at the club. "I hope my Wolves career is remembered with joy," Parkes said. "I loved playing for this football club, I had a great time, so I just hope all the supporters enjoyed it too."
