30 Facts About Jon Parkin

Jonathan Parkin was born on 30 December 1981 and is an English former professional footballer who played as a striker.

Jon Parkin came through the youth academy at hometown club Barnsley signing professional terms in 1998 but would only feature in 10 league games.

Jon Parkin played in the Football League with Hull City, Cardiff City, Doncaster Rovers, Huddersfield Town, Scunthorpe United and Newport County.

Since February 2019, Parkin has co-hosted the podcast Undr the Cosh with his former Preston North End teammate Chris Brown and comedy writer Chris J Brown.

Jon Parkin made his first-team debut at the age of 17 against Hartlepool United.

Jon Parkin scored 15 goals in 87 appearances for York, despite sometimes playing in a central defensive role.

Jon Parkin was recalled by Hull on 10 April 2007 after making six appearances and scoring three goals for Stoke.

Jon Parkin joined Preston North End on an emergency loan on 30 August 2008, which would be turned into a permanent three-year contract for an undisclosed fee on 1 September.

Jon Parkin went on to score in the Boxing Day win over Derby County following another cross from Wallace.

On 1 January 2011, Jon Parkin signed for Championship club Cardiff City on a two-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

Jon Parkin's next start came against Stoke City at Cardiff City Stadium on 18 January 2011 but he failed to make an impact.

Jon Parkin arrived at Coventry City for a medical and to discuss personal terms.

However, the move fell through on deadline day after Jon Parkin was reported to have failed his medical at the club.

Jon Parkin joined Championship rivals Doncaster Rovers on loan on 21 September 2011.

Jon Parkin returned to Cardiff on 23 January 2012 after making three appearances for Huddersfield and eight days later he joined Scunthorpe United, again on loan.

Jon Parkin's loan was extended until the end of the season in March 2012.

Jon Parkin mutually agreed to terminate his contract with Cardiff on 7 June 2012, becoming a free agent.

Jon Parkin moved to League Two club Fleetwood Town on a free transfer on 13 June 2012.

Jon Parkin made his first appearance for the club in a League Cup defeat against Nottingham Forest on 13 August 2012.

Jon Parkin helped the club to the League Two play-offs.

On 21 July 2014, Jon Parkin signed a one-year contract with Conference Premier club Forest Green Rovers.

Jon Parkin scored his first hat-trick for Forest Green in an FA Trophy first round replay win against Didcot Town on 16 December 2014.

Jon Parkin scored on 27 minutes after controlling the ball with his chest, turning and shooting on goal.

On 30 November 2016, Jon Parkin rejoined York City, now in the National League, on loan until 1 January 2017.

Jon Parkin started up front alongside fellow debutant Rhys Murphy, and Dave Flett of The Press commented that the pair "played with an intelligence, hunger and confidence so rarely seen from their attacking predecessors in City shirts for several years".

Jon Parkin was ever-present for York in his loan spell, signing permanently on 6 January 2017.

Jon Parkin announced his retirement from playing on 2 August 2019.

Jon Parkin has been referred to as "The Beast" and fans have chanted "Feed the Beast and he will score".

Jon Parkin is renowned for his large stature and an unusual unathletic lifestyle which includes never going to the gym and not having a diet, eating large portions instead.

Jon Parkin bailed before impact but teammate Steve Simonsen remained in the buggy as it crashed heavily, rolling over twice.