| RAY PARLOUR | |||
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Full name: Raymond Parlour Nationality: English Born: 7th Mar 1973 Romford Height: 178cm / 5'10" Weight: 76kg / 167lb Joined Arsenal: Jan 1988 (schoolboy) Jul 1989 (apprentice) Mar 1991 (professional) Arsenal Debut: Division One v Liverpool (a) 29th Jan 1992 (Lost 2-0) Previous Clubs: None Vastly improved player who came through the Highbury ranks and overcame early struggles to adjust to top flight football and win a place in the England club. Made his professional debut in Division One (back when it was the was the top flight) against Liverpool in 1992. Unfortunately for Parlour the Gunners lost 2-0. Industrious, busy and attack-minded, he has added goalscoring to his repertoire but retains an unselfish approach and is very much a team player - was voted 'Man of the Match' when Arsenal beat Newcastle in the 1998 FA Cup final. The loss of Petit and Overmars in the summer of 2000 meant that Parlour got starting roles in the centre as well as on the right of midfield, which is where he has played most of his football. The added responsibility and fresh skills required occasionally brought out the best in him, and he turned in some very good performances indeed Just missed out on the England squads for France 98 and was tipped for selection for Euro 2000 but an injury ruled him out of the final 22. He is still very much a name in the frame for further international football. Has played in England's World Cup Qualifiers against Finland, (in which he very nearly gave England victory), Germany and a friendly against Italy in the post Euro 2000 era. Talk of a move to Sunderland persisted with Peter Reid a known admirer, though Parlour appeared reluctant too even contemplate leaving Highbury. Witness the new contract Parlour signed to take him through to 2004. 'Ray has signed an extension with the club and it's true that a player of his calibre could have accepted a more lucrative offer to move,' said his agent at the time. Parlour wants to stay. |
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