25th January 1886

Sutton-in-Ashfield, England

Winger

At the age of 15, Parnell was playing for Skegby, a Nottingham junior club. Two years later he signed for Pinxton, and turned professional.

Derby County spotted him and signed the winger in 1903 where he made 8 league appearances.

He then signed for Leeds City at the same time as another Exeter City player, Robert Watson. Parnell had a really successful stay with Leeds featuring in 104 league games, netting 15 goals

Signing for Exeter City in their first season as a professional club, Parnell made his debut in the club’s first ever Southern League match in September 1908, at Millwall.

After one season with the Grecians, Parnell signed for Preston North End where he scored one goal in 15 league games.

However, he returned to Exeter City for a second time. He remained with City for two more years before returning to his roots in the East Midlands as he finished his playing days in non-League football, joining first Sutton Junction in 1912 and then Mansfield Town a year later.

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