Everyone at Stockport County was saddened to hear of the passing of our former player Colin Parry, who died on Friday 13th August, at the age of 79.
Colin was born and bred in Stockport and was first spotted playing centre half for Vernon Amateurs and Brinnington. With other clubs in the area watching his progress, County signed him as an part time professional in August 1962.
He was described as developing into the best local find since Charlie Gee (who played for County in the 1930’s, before moving to Everton where he became an England international). As an uncompromising centre half, he made an impressive first team debut a couple of months later in November 1962 when he played against Hartlepool United, deputising for the injured Ken Hodder.
His opportunities that season were limited, but with Hodder and Bob Murray retiring he became an almost regular member of the first team for the next two seasons. During this period he was a key member of the special County team who reached the 4th Round of the FA Cup, losing to eventual cup winner Liverpool. He was also a member of County’s Cheshire Senior Cup winning team in 1966.
After a brief loan spell at Bradford City in 1965, Parry returned to Edgeley Park and regained his position in the team. With County strengthening their defence in the summer of 1966, he was to find appearances difficult with Matt Woods and Eddie Stuart dominant in the centre of defence. During the 1966/67 4th Division Championship season he was limited to two appearances but in the following season he made 21 appearances for the Hatters in Division Three.
In July 1968, having made 148 League and Cup appearances for County, he moved to Rochdale where he made a further 169 appearances for the Dale, including missing only one game in their first ever promotion season in 1968/69.
He later played non League for Macclesfield Town where a serious knee injury forced him to retire. After finishing his playing career he remained a resident of Edgeley and was often seen in the area and was fondly remembered by many generations of County supporters.
Colin had been unwell for some time and in typical fashion he had battled through sepsis and Covid 19, before finally succumbing to his illnesses. County fans have always have a special place in their hearts for local players, and Colin will be remembered with great affection. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends at this sad time.
