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Connolly: Goal Dedicated to Dick - Ipswich Town News

Midfielder Callum Connolly dedicated his goal to long-serving staff member Dick Parker, who died suddenly aged 67 a week ago, following the Blues’ 2-0 victory over Reading.

The 20-year-old opened the scoring in the third minute of the Blues' win against the Royals, his third goal in four games, all within the first seven minutes of matches.

Connolly, on loan from Everton for the season, says Parker, who worked as the club as the training ground caretaker and academy kitman, helped him settle into life at Playford Road when he joined the Blues in the summer.

"Dick was a great man,” the England U20 international told iFollow Ipswich. "From day one he spoke to me and made me feel at home.

"I only knew him for six months or so but he was a big character around the place. He’s a legend here and that goal was for him. He’ll be missed dearly.

Fantastic day. @Official_ITFC have been fantastic. Dad would be so proud pic.twitter.com/umFKJTHGhc– Parker (@Glenn8730) December 16, 2017

"It was a great reception from everyone today and that showed what he meant to the club.”

The Town support held a minute’s applause on 67 in tribute to Parker, whose family attended the match, while both teams' players wore black armbands, Connolly and Joe Garner holding theirs aloft as they celebrated their goals.

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