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Douglas Brooks Parkin had three spells with St Albans City, twice as a goalkeeper and then, briefly, as manager. He made his debut in May 1972 and vied with Ray Bloxham for the goalkeeper’s jersey for most of the following campaign. He returned for a further eight games towards the end of the 1977-78 season, taking his total appearances to 45. Doug was appointed City manager and commercial manager for the start of the 1988-89 season. St Albans were heavily criticised by his former club, Hitchin Town, for leaving the approach until the eve of the season. He brought with him his assistant at Hitchin, the former City striker Roy Butler, to fill the same role at Clarence Park. Doug was manager for just 27 league games and departed in January with the side in 16th position of the Isthmian League Premier Division. He was also in charge for a dozen cup ties. A keen cricketer, Doug’s football career began with Watford before he moved into the non-league game with local sides Berkhamsted Town, Chesham United, Cheshunt, Hitchin Town and Tring Town who he also served as chairman. In addition to his time at Hitchin, Doug was a highly successful manager of Sandridge Rovers taking the club to the County League title in 1981-82 and 1982-83. After leaving St Albans City he moved to the Isle of Wight and ran two pubs on the island (The Anchor Inn, Cowes, and The Woodvale, Gurnard) before moving to Spain. He was planning a return to the IoW when he died.
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