By Jon Couch
Jon Parkin smashed a York City club record for scoring the most goals in a calendar year – and then received a glowing endorsement from sporting director Dave Penny.
Parkin's hat-trick in the 4-1 Boxing Day defeat of North Ferriby United took his season's tally to 21 and set a new post-War club record of 36 goals in 2017.
The former Hull City, Stoke City and Preston North End campaigner turned 36 yesterday, but Penny – who was standing in for Minstermen boss Martin Gray, who had to rush off for a family function – reckons the stalwart could still play at a higher level.
“When you've got Jon Parkin in your club, you are going to score goals,” Penny beamed. “The manner of the hat-trick, with no set-plays in it, was very pleasing.
“We told him at half-time to go and get a third and he's told us he'll need to build an extension now for all the match balls he's got down the years.
“He's been fantastic for us and scores goals for fun by having that knack of being in the right place.
“He should probably be playing at a higher level with his standards and qualities, but he's under contract for another season and we'll be keeping hold of him.”
*This article originally featured in The @NonLeaguePaper, which is available every Sunday
