Parker Draws Inspiration From McClaren On Coaching Career
As Bernard Parker embarks on his coaching career at TS Galaxy following his retirement at the end of last season, he credits former Manchester United assistant coach Steve McClaren as a significant influence.
Parker worked under McClaren at FC Twente, where they achieved league glory in the 2009/10 season, edging out Ajax Amsterdam by a single point and finishing ahead of PSV Eindhoven.
Luis Suarez, then a rising star at Ajax, emerged as the league’s top scorer with 35 goals, while Bryan Ruiz of Twente finished second with 24 goals.
This league triumph proved beneficial for Parker, as it solidified his place in the South African national team, Bafana Bafana, who were preparing for the 2010 FIFA World Cup on home soil.
“Steve McClaren was one of the best coaches I have worked under,” said Parker.
“He had produced so many great players in his coaching career. He had that Alex Ferguson man management approach in terms of how he wants to deal with his players.”
McClaren encouraged Parker to pursue further education in the field of sports management, advice that the South African diligently followed.
“When I left FC Twente and came back to South Africa to play for Kaizer Chiefs, the first thing he said to educate myself was management,” Parker said.
“I took on sports management just because of what it will be do for myself.”
While at Twente, Parker was not a prolific scorer, netting only three goals in 31 appearances across all competitions.
McClaren recently departed Manchester United after two seasons as assistant coach under Erik ten Haag and subsequently took on the role of head coach for the Jamaica national team in September.
Despite the passage of 14 years, Parker maintains a strong relationship with his former mentor.
“We still keep in contact,” confirms Parker.
“I also learnt lot from his personalities. He had such great personalities and it rubs off to the players.
“I wish him all the best.”
McClaren’s influence appears to be paying dividends for Parker in his early coaching career at Galaxy. The DDC side currently sits fifth in the table with 23 points from 12 matches, having suffered only one defeat – against defending champions Stellenbosch – throughout the season.
