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.

Photo: Action Images

osborne added 20:13 - Dec 16 Classy. Would love him to stay here.
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blueboy1981 added 20:54 - Dec 16 Great respect for a real Club man - from both Connelly and fans.
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SMS added 20:57 - Dec 16 This lad is top, top draw and gets it. Well done Callum.
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jeera added 21:30 - Dec 16 Nice words there chap. You're a credit. I wish we could bloody afford to keep you!
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runningout added 11:28 - Dec 17 Dick is up there and chuffed I'm sure
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SussexTractor added 14:08 - Dec 17 I had the great pleasure of meeting Callum at Frankfurt airport, wearing his gold medal along with the the rest of the victorious World Cup winning England under 21 team (they, like me, were changing flights). I did not know who he was and asked him his team, he replied Everton and that he was a centre half. I thanked him and the team for making England proud. I do hope he reads this site, because I would like to thank him for also making Ipswich Town proud and I hope he becomes a permanent signing for us. The fact that he dedicated his goal to Dick does not surprise me, he his a top young professional. I never thought I would see him at Ipswich Town but I am very glad he joined us.

2

Karlosfandangal added 16:40 - Dec 17 If Mick leaves at the end of the season that will end the slim chance we have of keeping him. Players come to town because of Mick as he is highly thought of by people in the game. The people who seem to hate Mick is town supporters (well a section of the crowd) I think the crowd will get their wish and Town will have to rebuild all over again
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chorltonskylineblue added 23:09 - Dec 17 Nice gesture. Connolly won't stay as he's a Premier League player for sure, but let's make the most of his talents while he's here. Especially as Huws is injured for the season, a massive loss. Respect and condolences to Dick Parker's family. Clearly loved and respected throughout the club.
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Bert added 23:33 - Dec 17 The club may have been in the doldrums but there is a spark back. We remain a solid community club and who knows, if MM can zip it and supporters have the cash to attend we may be on to better things. The club is not just about the manager and the players, it's about everyone who makes a contribution from the likes of Mr Parker to supporters who stay with town, voice their criticism with balance and get behind the club when things are not going well. Proud to be an ITFC supporter but would welcome a chairman who speaks to us and splashes the cash and a Manager who can turn the other cheek. Perhaps MM can do that. If he cannot then perhaps it is time for him to go. That's a question not a statement.

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BlueWax added 13:28 - Dec 18 Great tribute to a great clubman......players and fans showed much respect. Christmas period is a crucial time of the season and I totally understand why some supporters are miffed by decisions of late taken by the club and also there are still mixed feelings towards MM. Looking at how Huddersfield have applied themselves in the promised land with total unity and respect and everyone pulling together I feel that the home match on boxing day gives us fans a chance to really get behind the team and manager and wipe the slate clean, yes even getting back to chanting his name.....lets just at least do our bit, this club really does have some of the best supporters around.

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BlueWax added 13:56 - Dec 18 Great tribute to a great clubman......players and fans showed much respect. Christmas period is a crucial time of the season and I totally understand why some supporters are miffed by decisions of late taken by the club and also there are still mixed feelings towards MM. Looking at how Huddersfield have applied themselves in the promised land with total unity and respect and everyone pulling together I feel that the home match on boxing day gives us fans a chance to really get behind the team and manager and wipe the slate clean, yes even getting back to chanting his name.....lets just at least do our bit, this club really does have some of the best supporters around.

2

BlueBlood90 added 16:07 - Dec 18 Surely it's worth enquiring about his availability permanently. Defensively sound, covers numerous positions and got an eye for goal. Can't imagine him breaking into Everton's team any time soon with the money they're spending nowadays.
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