Former Swindon Town hero Sam Parkin has been released from Luton Town after his contract expired.
Parkin was Swindon between 2002-2005 and scored 68 times in 126 league appearances for Swindon and was a firm terrace favourite from the moment he scored a debut hat-trick against Barnsley.
The striker felt a move was the only option in the summer of 2005 and Joe Royle’s Ipswich Town paid around £450,000 for his services.
Parkin suffered with injuries in his only full season at Portman Road and when Royle left and was replaced by Jim Magilton his time was up in East Anglia.
Luton Town, who were in The Championship, signed Parkin but he continued to suffer from injury woes as the Hatter plummeted down the leagues.
A loan spell at Leyton Orient was supposed to provide a lifeline but Parkin failed to score in 13 outings.
Parkin returned to Luton and was a late sub at Wembley in their Johnstones Paint Trophy win against Scunthorpe United.
Bath born Sol Davis was a product of the Swindon Town youth system. He made 114 league appearances for Swindon and was known for his, erm, no nonsense tackling!!!
He left the club after it was thought a new deal was agreed – it wasn’t and he joined Luton Town where he made 199 league outing for the Hatters.
On Saturday, 28 October 2006, it was revealed that Davis had suffered a stroke whilst traveling to a fixture with Ipswich Town. He made a full recovery.
Both are available on free transfers.
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I hope this doesn’t awake those ones who say bring Sammy P back home to Swindon.
I think it already has in many ways. I’m a fence sitter – why is it a definate no APG?
Past his best now, couldn’t hack it in League Two last season, won’t be up to League One standard next season. Don’t let the past cloud your judgement.
I think we would expect the Sammy of old – and I’m sorry to say I think we saw the best of him and in my eyes he was one of the best on and off the field and a true player and gent.
he is only 28 years old and im sure he is more than capable of doing the job , i think on a free he is worth a shot
Copied from BBC football board :……………..
Luton Fan
Parkin has been quite possibly the worst signing ever at Luton and whilst he plainly scored a few for you lot he is now a pile of old pony. With his injury record I have no idea why we wasted so much money on him and when he was fit he couldn’t hit a cows bottie with a banjo. He has the first touch of an elephant, and the heading ability of a headless person and the safest place to stand when he is playing is most definately in the goal. I am absolutely delighted to see him go.
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I know I can’t prove this is totally true but it does question what has happened to Sammy. To be released by a club that has dropped out of league now, perhaps it was his wages.