Scott Parker: Was the talented midfielder a modern era great?

Ahead of Fulham’s trip to the London Stadium, Jack Butler looks at the man in the opposition dugout – Scott Parker – and the impact he had whilst at West Ham United. 

Few players could leave a relegated West Ham to join Spurs and still be held in as high regard as Scott Parker. A tenacious battler who often chipped in with a match-winning performance, Parker was one of the finest midfielders in modern West Ham history.

Parker, who joined West Ham from Newcastle in 2007, went on to record over 100 appearances in his four-year spell in East London. Voted ‘Hammer of the Year’ in 2008/09, the England midfielder became the first player since Julian Dicks to retain the trophy in the following season. His winning strike against Wigan in 2009/10 kept the Hammers in the Premier League and saw Parker sign a five-year deal that made him the highest-paid player in the club’s history.

Yet, it was the 2010/11 season that saw the then vice-captain play some of the best football of his career, whilst West Ham churned out some of their worst.

Avram Grant’s Hammers; it was an era of Robbie Keane, Frédéric Piquionne and Thomas Hitzlsperger. A defence marshalled by James Tomkins and Danny Gabbidon. Demba Ba up top and Robert Green between the sticks. For a moment, it was funny; then we finished 20th.

In a season of lows, Parker beat a youthful Gareth Bale to the Football Writer’s Association Player of the Season – the first player to claim the accolade whilst in a relegated side.

"“[Parker] is a good, old-fashioned English footballer always giving 100 per cent. He was sick today but he still gave everything. He is the modern midfield player putting in tackles, scoring goals, giving assists.” Avram Grant, 2011. Goal."

A notable post-Christmas spell saw the sought-after midfielder almost single-handedly guide the Hammers to survival (again). An imposing technical masterclass from Parker led West Ham to a 3-1 win over Liverpool at the Boleyn Ground. A stellar performance topped with a sublime finish as the England midfielder danced through the Liverpool shirts, before curling the ball with the outside of his boot into the bottom corner. It was majestic stuff.

Parker certainly had a knack for goals. Alongside his strike against Liverpool came an audacious lob against Chelsea, a screamer against West Brom and another memorable long-range effort against his former club – this time at Stamford Bridge. When Parker scored it was either vital for a win or a moment of sheer individual brilliance. He was quality.

Yet, injury to the Hammers star would hamper any hopes of survival in 2010/11 as a miserable season ended with embarrassment. In a must-win match at Wigan, Parker was stuck on the bench nursing an Achilles problem as West Ham squandered a 2-0 at half-time to eventually lose 3-2. Avram Grant’s side relegated thanks to 90+3 minute strike from Charles N’Zogbia.

"“I said to the chairman during the summer the one player I wanted was Scott Parker. Forget looking for £20m players or anything else, Scott Parker is what we need at this football club.” Harry Redknapp, 2011. BBC Sport."

Following relegation, the three-time ‘Hammer of the Year’ eventually joined Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham for a mere 5.5 million, but few West Ham fans could blame him. Sure, there was discontent, but most of the Hammers faithful understood his desire to play at the highest level in order to fulfil his England hopes.

Next, Parker would go on to make 50 appearances for Spurs before finishing his career at Fulham – the side he now manages.

With West Ham hosting Fulham this weekend, it will be interesting to see how the Hammer’s cope with a substantially improved side. For much of the season, it hasn’t worked for Fulham, but a win against West Brom last time out showed a renewed confidence for the Lilywhites under Scott Parker’s leadership.

Clearly, the ex-Hammer is yet to make his mark as a top-flight manager, but importantly he did achieve promotion at the first attempt. Perhaps, it wouldn’t be too bad should Parkerone day find himself managing in East London.