Jul 26
Razor Ray, the Pele of Romford, was never one of my favorite players. As the Wenger era progressed it became increasingly clear that Ray didn’t fit the mold of a Wenger player.
Nevertheless, it should be noted that Ray served with great loyalty and at times distinction. No one can question his work ethic, desire, effort or love of the Arsenal. I certainly wish him all the best and thank him for his efforts.
7 Responses to “A Belated Thank You to Ray Parlour”
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July 26th, 2004 at 8:44 am
Rick, I very much echo your sentiments…
Parlour was not my favorite player, nor the most talented…. but as I have said before, he brought an intangible to our team. He had “IT”. The grit, determination, and passion that many players of today lack. I hope he plays well for Boro… can’t wish him anything but the best.
Oooh Ahhh Ray Parlour!
July 26th, 2004 at 10:22 am
I identify The Arsenal with Ray. Gonna miss him. Might even consider picking up his kit…nah, I’ve got my Romford Pele shirt.
Don’t let the lawyers get you down, Ray!
July 26th, 2004 at 12:25 pm
Agreed, Ray wasn’t one of the most talented but he did have that extra something, that passion and drive that, at times when our superstars were out of steam, was needed to lift us in the 79th minute, to chase every ball, shadow every run or score an absolute belter in a Cup Final, even better that it was against Chelski (Previously known as Chelsea before the cash injection!)
Always a firm favorite with the fans- I (We) wish him all the best for the future!
July 26th, 2004 at 3:07 pm
Also thanks, best wishes and commiserations to Marc Overmars who has announced his retirement because of a knee injury.
July 27th, 2004 at 12:53 am
So long Ray-zor… we thank you for always giving a 100% effort, even when players of a different class level were brought into the club. Who else would charge 50 years down the pitch only to badly mis-time a tackle, earning a card? Who else would thrust forward into the attack only to blast a shot from 30 yards out, 30 yards wide?
I sound like I’m dogging Ray… I’m not. I’ll honestly miss these things. Ray was always good for a laugh, and he was always willing to put a foot in. And, of course, I’ll miss the once every two years when one of his, to be generous, ’speculative’ shots actually hit the back of the net.
If you score in a Cup Final — one that clinches a double, no less — you should be fondly remembered at your former club as a legend. And, like him or not during his playing days, I think that’s what will happen with ooh-ahh-ray-parlour.
Oh yeah, and I think I’ll have to get a haircut now, it seems.
July 27th, 2004 at 1:40 am
I echo everyone’s sentiments. Ray was one of those players who never held back. He was a role player and a character guy that I think will be missed more in the locker room than on the pitch. I will say though that, in the times a couple of years back when a few supporters questioned Arsenal’s grit and toughness, we all were able to look at Ray and say “there it is, right there”.
July 27th, 2004 at 10:14 pm
The fighting spirit of Pizza Parlour will be sorely missed!!! Any time he stepped on the pitch, you knew he’d give his all…