Hello. My name is Richard Parry, I am a 43 year old former semi professional football player. I was born and currently reside in Newbridge, South Wales.
# # #
During my playing days I was known as 'Kong', due to my massive intimidating physical stature. I was a player who wouldnt be afraid to get his hands dirty in order for my team to get the win. I was sent off an entire 21 times in my 16 year career.
I began as a youngster coming through the ranks at Albion Rovers FC, where i was considered as one of their top youth prospects as I broke into their first team at the age of just 17. Back then I was played as a Central Midfielder and scored 23 goals in 218 appearences for the club over 8 years.
After a decent 8 years at Albion I was offered a trial at Welsh Premier League Side Elements Cefn Druids. However, at Druids I fell into a poor state of form and was dropped into their reserves team. After being loaned out to Aberaman Athletic FC for 3 straight years and making their first XI in every match of which I was fit, I decided to reject a contract renewal being offered to me by The Druids and I joined Aberaman Athletic on a Part Time Contract.
I spent the remainder of my career at Aberaman, I was made captain after my fifth year under contract and I remained their captain until I reached the end of my time there. Due to my contract only being low wage and part time, I had to find a permanant job to bring money in throughout the week. I ended up becoming a Licensed Plumber when I was 32 after being made captain and realising that the club were too cash strapped to give me a raise.
I travelled all around Wales and South East England on Mondays to Fridays but still managed to work around training and Mid Week games. Football was my life, but Plumbing had to be done. On a journey to Bristol in August 1999 I recieved a phone call from what I could only assume was a client needing me to sort out their drains.
# # #
As I answered I heard a large monotone voice mumble down the phone to me.
- 'Is this Richard Parry?'
- 'Yes, who is this?' I replied.
- 'This is Frank Burrows, son. I've heard quite alot about you recently, I've been looking for some home grown talent to bring to Cardiff, I'm wondering if you're interested in having a trial with us next week?'
- 'Are you serious?' I questioned. 'Of course I will! I'll be there as soon as possible Mr.Burrows. Thank You So Much'.
I was in disbelief, I had always loved Cardiff since a young age and now my dream of becoming a player there had finally seemed pheasable. I tried not to get too carried away but the excitement took over, I raced to the stadium rather than going to Bristol for my Plumbing Job. Once I got to Ninian Park I called Mr.Burrows back.
-'Hello?' He said, sounding baffled at why I had returned his call so early.
-'Mr.Burrows, Sir. Is there any chance that I could have my trial sooner?'
-'Fine, you can have it today if you're sure?' He Said, trying not to sound impolite as he grew puzzled at how a fully grown man could become so overexcited.
-'Thank you so much, I'm at the Stadium now. ' I replied before hastily hanging up on my icon.
# # #
Not long after, I saw a Classic Blue Mercedes Benz pull into the car park of which I was stood in. It was him, I nearly squeeled at the fact that he was actually here to see ME. As he emerged from his car and approached me swiftly, before putting his hand out to offer me the most flattering handshake in the history of man. I shook it for at least 10 seconds before realising I was making a fool of myself. He led me into the grounds and up the stairs, into the changing room and strangely towards the showers.
# # #
-'Okay Ricky, fix this and we'll make this ground your new home!'
I stood looking puzzled and growing disappointed as I realised what he had really called me here for. He didnt want me to grace the pitch of Ninian Park, he wanted me to fix their pipes. Surely this wasnt a bad job, just not what I'd been expecting.
-'Alright, I'm on it' I replied in an attempt to sound enthusiastic.
I fixed the showers with ease and Mr.Burrows seemed pleased.
-'Nice work, son. What would you say to a full time contract as the stadium plumber?'
-'That sounds fine to me, sir. When do I start?'
-'As soon as you can, Ricky. Just make sure you have yourself a place to stay sorted out.'
-'No worries there, boss. I live quite local. Thanks for the job, I'll be here tomorrow.'
As I exited the changing rooms feeling slightly let down that I wouldnt be playing for the Bluebirds, Frank shouted after me.
-'Ricky! Ricky! Wait, one second. I hear you are quite keen on playing the beautiful game, am I right? well, if you're keen on it, I'll give you some one to one tutorials on how to manage and i'll sort you out some coaching badge courses, how does that sound?'
-'Oh, cheers boss. I'd appreciate that alot'
-'Make sure you do' He said as he joked with me. 'See me in my office tomorrow, 3pm sharp'
# # #
The trip to Ninian now seemed worth it, I called up Aberaman the next day to tell them the situation and we agreed that it'd be better for us to go our seperate ways. I was upset at this, but relieved at the same time. This was a new chapter in my career, one that I would grasp with both hands.
I spent only a year at Cardiff due to Frank parting ways with them. I decided to follow Frank from club to club so that I could learn from him. He made me one of his backroom staff at West Bromwich Albion in 2004 and at Leicester City in 2007. I shared a great friendship with Frank, but by 2009 I had learnt all I could've possibly gotten from him. I had also Qualified for my Level Three Coaching Badges. I decided to part ways with Frank as I began my travels in an attempt to one day become a top level manager.
NOTES: I have loaded English Leagues Down to Level 9, The Welsh Premier, Irish Premier, Scottish Leagues Down to Division 2.
Also, Thanks To Kris for giving me permission to emulate his story layout.
For Kris' gripping 'Memoirs of a Slovak' story, go HERE
# # #
During my playing days I was known as 'Kong', due to my massive intimidating physical stature. I was a player who wouldnt be afraid to get his hands dirty in order for my team to get the win. I was sent off an entire 21 times in my 16 year career.
I began as a youngster coming through the ranks at Albion Rovers FC, where i was considered as one of their top youth prospects as I broke into their first team at the age of just 17. Back then I was played as a Central Midfielder and scored 23 goals in 218 appearences for the club over 8 years.
After a decent 8 years at Albion I was offered a trial at Welsh Premier League Side Elements Cefn Druids. However, at Druids I fell into a poor state of form and was dropped into their reserves team. After being loaned out to Aberaman Athletic FC for 3 straight years and making their first XI in every match of which I was fit, I decided to reject a contract renewal being offered to me by The Druids and I joined Aberaman Athletic on a Part Time Contract.
I spent the remainder of my career at Aberaman, I was made captain after my fifth year under contract and I remained their captain until I reached the end of my time there. Due to my contract only being low wage and part time, I had to find a permanant job to bring money in throughout the week. I ended up becoming a Licensed Plumber when I was 32 after being made captain and realising that the club were too cash strapped to give me a raise.
I travelled all around Wales and South East England on Mondays to Fridays but still managed to work around training and Mid Week games. Football was my life, but Plumbing had to be done. On a journey to Bristol in August 1999 I recieved a phone call from what I could only assume was a client needing me to sort out their drains.
# # #
As I answered I heard a large monotone voice mumble down the phone to me.
- 'Is this Richard Parry?'
- 'Yes, who is this?' I replied.
- 'This is Frank Burrows, son. I've heard quite alot about you recently, I've been looking for some home grown talent to bring to Cardiff, I'm wondering if you're interested in having a trial with us next week?'
- 'Are you serious?' I questioned. 'Of course I will! I'll be there as soon as possible Mr.Burrows. Thank You So Much'.
I was in disbelief, I had always loved Cardiff since a young age and now my dream of becoming a player there had finally seemed pheasable. I tried not to get too carried away but the excitement took over, I raced to the stadium rather than going to Bristol for my Plumbing Job. Once I got to Ninian Park I called Mr.Burrows back.
-'Hello?' He said, sounding baffled at why I had returned his call so early.
-'Mr.Burrows, Sir. Is there any chance that I could have my trial sooner?'
-'Fine, you can have it today if you're sure?' He Said, trying not to sound impolite as he grew puzzled at how a fully grown man could become so overexcited.
-'Thank you so much, I'm at the Stadium now. ' I replied before hastily hanging up on my icon.
# # #
Not long after, I saw a Classic Blue Mercedes Benz pull into the car park of which I was stood in. It was him, I nearly squeeled at the fact that he was actually here to see ME. As he emerged from his car and approached me swiftly, before putting his hand out to offer me the most flattering handshake in the history of man. I shook it for at least 10 seconds before realising I was making a fool of myself. He led me into the grounds and up the stairs, into the changing room and strangely towards the showers.
# # #
-'Okay Ricky, fix this and we'll make this ground your new home!'
I stood looking puzzled and growing disappointed as I realised what he had really called me here for. He didnt want me to grace the pitch of Ninian Park, he wanted me to fix their pipes. Surely this wasnt a bad job, just not what I'd been expecting.
-'Alright, I'm on it' I replied in an attempt to sound enthusiastic.
I fixed the showers with ease and Mr.Burrows seemed pleased.
-'Nice work, son. What would you say to a full time contract as the stadium plumber?'
-'That sounds fine to me, sir. When do I start?'
-'As soon as you can, Ricky. Just make sure you have yourself a place to stay sorted out.'
-'No worries there, boss. I live quite local. Thanks for the job, I'll be here tomorrow.'
As I exited the changing rooms feeling slightly let down that I wouldnt be playing for the Bluebirds, Frank shouted after me.
-'Ricky! Ricky! Wait, one second. I hear you are quite keen on playing the beautiful game, am I right? well, if you're keen on it, I'll give you some one to one tutorials on how to manage and i'll sort you out some coaching badge courses, how does that sound?'
-'Oh, cheers boss. I'd appreciate that alot'
-'Make sure you do' He said as he joked with me. 'See me in my office tomorrow, 3pm sharp'
# # #
The trip to Ninian now seemed worth it, I called up Aberaman the next day to tell them the situation and we agreed that it'd be better for us to go our seperate ways. I was upset at this, but relieved at the same time. This was a new chapter in my career, one that I would grasp with both hands.
I spent only a year at Cardiff due to Frank parting ways with them. I decided to follow Frank from club to club so that I could learn from him. He made me one of his backroom staff at West Bromwich Albion in 2004 and at Leicester City in 2007. I shared a great friendship with Frank, but by 2009 I had learnt all I could've possibly gotten from him. I had also Qualified for my Level Three Coaching Badges. I decided to part ways with Frank as I began my travels in an attempt to one day become a top level manager.
NOTES: I have loaded English Leagues Down to Level 9, The Welsh Premier, Irish Premier, Scottish Leagues Down to Division 2.
Also, Thanks To Kris for giving me permission to emulate his story layout.
For Kris' gripping 'Memoirs of a Slovak' story, go HERE
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