Interview #33- Joshua Parker

Joshua Parker is an English and Antigua and Barbadian professional soccer player, currently playing for the Wycombe Wanderers of EFL League One. Parker, a striker, started his career with Queens Park Rangers, and had several loan spells while at QPR. He then moved to Oldham Athletic, followed by Slovenian side Domzale and european giant, Red Star Belgrade. More recently, Parker has played for Gillingham and Charlton Athletic. The talented forward has also made 26 appearances for the Antigua and Barbuda national team. 27, Parker has tons of talent and is lethal on the attack. Read the interview below to learn more about the experienced forward!

1. Growing up in England, what was your youth career like?
My youth career was very enjoyable, I played with all my friends for a large chunk of my childhood and didn’t go into a professional set up until I was 16, in my early teen years I played for slough a very diverse and close knit group of boys that spent time together off the pitch. 

2. You started your career at your boyhood club, Queens Park Rangers. How were you feeling after signing your first professional contract with QPR?
It was a relief to know I would not have to think about life without football and the potential of going back into education or finding a job like a very very high percent of individuals do after being released at 18.

3. After joining QPR, you were loaned out to AFC Wimbledon. What did you experience out on loan teach you both as a player and person?
It taught me things are not always pretty and nice as a footballer like most people seem to think. and that sometimes you have to okay the “game” and just go with it.

4. After you loan with Wimbledon, you came back to QPR, where you got your first ever start for the Rangers. What were you thinking as you finally got your first start at QPR?
I was nervous, excited but not really feeling much pressure because I think I am very talented at what I do. I just thought I’ve finally done it. I made it as a professional footballer. I’ve played in the championship!

5. At QPR, you were coached under the legendary Neil Warnock. How was your time with Warnock and what did you learn from him?
I was nervous, excited but not really feeling much pressure because I think I am very talented at what I do. I just thought I’ve finally done it. I made it as a professional footballer. I’ve played in the championship!

6. After some time with the first team, you had loan spells with Northampton Town and Wycombe Wanderers. How did you adjust to moving teams so often as a youngster?
None of my loan deals I’ve had ever went well, the majority being before the age of 23 because of my immature and egotistical state of mind and it probably took me 26 years to finally begin to adjust and work at it, which I am still doing til this day. The failure in those loan spells was probably my karma for my behavior, body language and demeanor on and off the field.

7. You’ve represented the Antigua and Barbuda National Team 26 times. What does it mean for you to wear you country’s badge?
I love Antigua so much. My eventual goal is to build my house and spend half of my calendar year there with my family. It’s become a staple point in my life and somewhere I am keen for my kids to call home hence why I make it a necessity that we go every year, either when I go for international or just on holiday but it isn’t the cheapest of places.
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8. After several years and loan spells at QPR, you were released and were signed by Oldham Athletic. How was the move from QPR to Oldham?
It was a smooth transition the hardest bit was moving up to Manchester away from family.

9. You mentioned how your loan spells didn’t work out as a younger player. What’s your biggest advice for younger players trying to make an impact at their club?
Just do everything for yourself. Do it without expectation and as if you’re 2 steps behind your actual position.

10. After a season at Oldham, you went to Oxford. What was your tenure with Oxford like?
Oxford was a short term spell that served its purpose.

11. In July of 2013, you transferred to Domžale, a club in Slovenia, and then one of Serbia’s best teams, Red Star Belgrade. What did you learn in your time outside of England?
I learnt that there is life and football outside of England. The Lifestyle that goes alongside your career is just as important as the football itself because both need to compliment one another.

12. What was the level of play like over in Slovenia and Serbia?
The standard was very high. Slovenia much better than expected but then again the league winners made Europe and champions league most years. 
Red star speaks for itself. Champions league winners, one of the biggest teams in football history.

13. You also made 7 appearances for Aberdeen. How was your time in Scotland?
Very disappointing. A big lesson in football politics.

14. Who’s your greatest role model and why?
I can’t say I actually have a role model, well definitely not growing up, as I have got older my old football coach plays a significant part in my life.

15. What’s the coolest stadium you’ve ever played in?
Red stars stadium is the best stadium by far and the derby is one of the top 10 fixtures in the world.

16. If you could sit down and eat dinner with three people, who would they be and why?
Malcolm X, Michael Jackson, Will Smith

17. After being at Wealdstone for two weeks, you joined Gillingham, a place where you made 79 appearances and scored 16 goals. What does Gillingham FC mean to you as a player?
Gillingham represents overcoming adversity for me and trust that the universe has my back

18. In 2018, you joined Charlton Athletic. While at Charlton, you helped them gain promotion. What was the locker room like after you clinched promotion?
The changing room was very infectious, demanding and professional.

19. What was the atmosphere like during the EFL League 1 Play-off final against Sunderland?
Out of this world. It was the last thing I had to achieve in my career in my eyes but it took doing it to make me realize that. 

20. After all of this, you joined your current club, the Wycombe Wanderers. How has the season with Wycombe been so far?
The team has been amazing, we have had a dip in form however it was almost accepted in a way because we had done so very well. For myself it’s been a slow start but I trust in my ability and I know my capabilities and talent always shines through. 

21. What are your main goals for the future?
My main goals are to make as much money as possible in the years I have left in the sport, to make my transition into whatever is next for me much smoother and help set myself up into the best situation possible .

22. How do you deal with failure?
I don’t believe in failure, I believe in lessons and messages. Everything happens for a reason you just have to open your mind and think why.

23. What’s your most memorable moment from your playing career?
Captaining my country is definitely the highlight followed by my debut for qpr.

24. What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
Growing up I had a bigger passion for dancing than football.

25. What’s your biggest advice for youngsters working to become a professional?
My biggest advice would be to play with a smile as you can’t change what’s been and gone that’s why it’s called the past

26. Any last words for the readers?
Last words would be... When going about your life, be mindful, be caring, be loving, be present! Just Be!

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Chris Dailey

Founder, The Sports Court

Huge thank you to Josh for the amazing interview! Class player and class act! Best of luck next season!

photo via https://www.instagram.com/j23parker