Blackpool have announced that ex Bristol Rovers midfielder Jamie Shore will be linking up with the Club as their new Head of Youth.
Shore takes over the reins from current Head of Youth Gary Parkinson who is still bravely battling the effects of a massive stroke that he suffered in September.
Shore, who will begin his new position on 4th January, played under current Tangerines boss Ian Holloway at Bristol Rovers.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I’m delighted to have the chance to work with Ollie again,” said Shore
He wants me to work with the Reserve and Youth team players at Blackpool on a daily basis while developing the youth programme.”
Meanwhile, Blackpool Assistant Manager Steve Thompson – speaking to the Blackpool Gazette – has revealed that Gary Parkinson is making steady progress in his bid to recover from September’s stroke.
Parkinson is suffering from ‘locked in’ syndrome, where a patient is aware of events around them, but unable to communicate in any way because of a paralysis of the muscles.
However, after intensive physio sessions, Parky is beginning to show signs of improvement.
“Parky goes through a little routine form Monday to Friday where they work him and give him physio,” said Thompson
“There was a bit of a funny moment when I got there because Debbie [Parky’s wife] told me that he’d had a special day because the nurses had given him a shower.”
“When everyone had gone out of the room I had a few choice words with him about having a shower with the nurses and he was giggling away! It was good to see him laughing and that is important.”
“We’ve got to make sure we keep him stimulated and make sure the lads go over there and have a bit of banter with him because that’s what Gary would want.”
“As staff and players we have got to make sure we look after his family the best we can and I am sure we will,” added Thompson.
