In 1972 the club was on the brink of going out of business, needing to sell a player to survive, when Clough, by then manager of Derby County, bid £2,500 for the player. It is usually regarded as a philanthropic gesture by Clough (albeit using Derby's money) as Parry made few appearances for Derby before moving on to Mansfield Town.[3]
In February 2009, Parry made a triumphant return to the North East as guest of honour at Hartlepool United's centenary dinner.[5] Barry Butlin, Secretary & Treasurer of Derby County Former Players' Association, said: "It is fitting that Tony's fans at Hartlepool and in the North East had the opportunity to honour him at the 'Centenary' celebrations, and Tony was delighted to be greeted by his telly idol Jeff Stelling."[6]
Parry died suddenly on 23 November 2009, following a short battle with pneumonia.[7]
References
^"Tony Parry". UK A–Z Transfers. Neil Brown. Retrieved 30 September 2009.
^ ab"Tony Parry". In The Mad Crowd. John Phillips. Archived from the original on 3 July 2009. Retrieved 30 September 2009.