League One strugglers Burton Albion hope to have given their survival chances a boost with the signing of striker Josh Parker.
The 30-year-old has signed a one-and-a-half-year deal and becomes Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s third signing of the January window.
Josh Parker Joins Burton Albion
Third January Singing for Burton
Josh Parker has become the Brewers third signing of the window after manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink brought in Hayden Carter and Sean Clare on loan from Blackburn Rovers and Oxford United respectively.
The 30-year-old striker has signed a one-and-a-half-year deal at the Pirelli Stadium following his release from Wycombe Wanderers.
Parker Career
The Slough-born Antigua and Barbuda international began his career at Queens Park Rangers but joined Oldham Athletic following loan spells at AFC Wimbledon, Northampton Town and Wycombe.
While with the Latics, he spent time away on loan at Dagenham & Redbridge before joining Oxford. After leaving the U’s, Parker spent two seasons in Slovenia, where he turned out for NK Domžale, before spending one season at Red Star Belgrade in Serbia.
He returned to England, following a short loan spell at Aberdeen, with Wealdstone before spending two seasons at Gillingham. Moves to Charlton and Wycombe followed before his release from the Chairboys.
Parker scored 16 goals in 79 appearances for the Gills – his best club tally – and was part of the Charlton and Wycombe sides that secured promotion from League One.
What Was Said
Speaking to the clubs’ official website, Hasselbaink said: “We’re very happy to see Josh come in through the door. He is a proven player in League One who will give us the experience and energy, and hopefully many goals.
“He’s someone who puts himself about, makes defenders’ lives very difficult, and that’s what we need. We need more help and competition for the other players.”
Parker added: “It’s good to be here. I saw in a group chat that the manager (Hasselbaink) had been appointed here and I’ve always been an admirer since his Burton days and how they played football.
“The energy of me wanting to come here was reciprocated by the manager. He showed some interest in me when I was at Gillingham and he was trying to revamp his Northampton squad.
“It didn’t come to fruition for whatever reason but I kept tabs on him because I admired him as a player.
“In terms of what he wants from me, he wants me to come in and make an impact. He wants me to be a leader because I’ve experienced so much in football – playing all over the world.
“He wants me to bring my talents to the club and help harness some of the younger lads, harness their potential.”
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