Sam Parkin Image: Supplied
Features

Great Swindon Town debuts: From down-and-out to hat-trick hero, the story of Sam Parkin's summer of 2002

INTERVIEW: In the spring of 2002, Parkin was questioning if professional football was right for him. But under the guidance of Andy King, his career was reinvigorated - starting with a hot August afternoon at the County Ground.

04.08.24, 08:13 8 Min Read

by Sam MorsheadEditor

It’s hard to believe, given what happened next, but in the spring of 2002 Sam Parkin was questioning whether he was cut out for professional football.

Just 21 years old, a miserable season at Northampton Town drained both confidence and enthusiasm, to the point he was considering his future.

That year at Sixfields had generated just five goals from 46 appearances, and his arrival at Swindon Town was met less with fanfare and more fan fear. A striker who doesn’t score?

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