Help sends Parker in the right direction
DAVID WETHERALL became something of a legend among Leeds United supporters after scoring vital goals in two victories over bitter rivals Manchester United during the Nineties.
Such adoration is understandable with the Elland Road club winning just four out of the 34 league and cup meetings between the two clubs that followed Leeds' promotion in 1990.
Wetherall may have left United almost nine years ago, but fans of his former club can once again give thanks to the 35-year-old veteran for the part he has played in Ben Parker's development.
The Pontefract-born left-back spent last season on loan at Bradford City and it was the veteran Bantams captain who took the youngster under his wing.
Parker recalls: "Going to Bradford was a big help. The experience I got from playing first team football was something money couldn't buy. I played 40 times in front of 8-9,000 crowds and that has stood me in good stead for this season.
"David Wetherall was a big help. He is still going strong, the old lad. If I was having a bad time, he would put his arm round me and have a word. Dean Windass was another good professional who I could talk to. They both did all they could to help."
Parker returned to Elland Road last summer determined to force his way into the side. His first team debut duly came in the Carling Cup first round win at Macclesfield Town with his league bow following four days later in the opening home game of the season when Southend United were dispatched 4-1.
The 20-year-old has made a further 10 first team outings with his last two being as first-choice left-back in the wins over Northampton Town and Crewe.
He said: "I have enjoyed the last two games. They were two good results, particularly at Crewe because it is wins at places like that which can make the difference over whether you get promoted or not.
"It was pleasing for me that we clicked on the left. Peter Sweeney is a quality player and likes to keep hold of the ball. That makes it easy for me, I just give him the ball so he can do all the hard work."
When reminded about his rather wild effort on goal during the win at Gresty Road, Parker laughs before adding: "Frazer scoring (against Northampton) spurred me on so I had a go.
"Unfortunately, I think people will tell me to pass more after seeing that. It was nice to get in that position, though I think I got a little bit scared."
Dennis Wise has made no secret of his desire to bring in a left back during the transfer window with a £250,000 bid for Walsall's for Daniel Fox having been rejected last month.
Parker added: "It has acted as a spur me on. Competition is healthy. I have been left out this season, my last game before Northampton a fortnight ago was against Cheltenham (in November).
"After getting left out, I got a bit of a kick up the backside from the manager. That was what I needed. He has now put me back in, shown a bit of faith. And I just want to repay him."
Wise revealed this week that he had pulled Parker aside a few weeks ago when walking out of the tunnel with his shirt untucked, seeing this as a sign that the young defender had lost some of his focus.
The United manager said: "I don't like that from a 20-year-old boy. There is a photo of him when he was nine years old, and he has got his shirt tucked in his shorts.
"All of a sudden you have played a few games and the shirt comes out. He needs to be kept down to a certain level."
Parker, wisely, heeded his manager's advice. "He did give me a bit of a telling off. And I soon tucked it back in when he told me to. I have to keep on his good side."
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