Paul Parker signed for QPR in 1987. He was seen as part of a new era at QPR after talk of a merger between QPR and Parker's old club Fulham the previous season. Paul came into the club after a disappointing 1986/87 season and manager Jim Smith changed the clubs traditional 4-4-2 system.

Parker's arrival meant that Smith could play a sweeper system with Terry Fenwick as sweeper and Paul Parker as man marker. Parker impressed during a pre season tour of Europe, which saw QPR collect three trophies.

His form continued into the new season, as QPR looked a different team. Rangers went top of the table very early and beat early season favourites Chelsea 3-1. League Champions Everton came to town and Parker was outstanding in a 1-0 win.

Parker marked Everton's forward line out of the game using his pace, tackling skills and amazing ability in the air where he was rarely beaten despite being well under six foot. The club never really threatened to win the league that season but the performances of Paul Parker saw him add to his England under 21 caps with a 'B' team appearances for his country.

Parker was seen as one of the best defenders in the country and the team finished fifth and as top London club in Paul's first season with the club. During that season, sweeper Terry Fenwick was sold to Spurs but Parker continued to impress.

Paul was used as a sweeper with Alan Mcdonald and Danny Maddix alongside him. Paul had been outstanding in the centre of defence and was even better as sweeper.

Many felt he would be a one season wonder but he continued to be exceptional the following season this time under a new manager. When Jim Smith left the club, Trevor Francis took over but continued to use Parker as a sweeper and Rangers enjoyed a mid table finish.

The highlight of Paul's QPR career came in the 1989-90 season. This whole season provided Paul with one success after another. He performed superbly under another new manager, this time Don Howe. He was now QPR captain and led QPR to a mid table finish and the quarter finals of the FA Cup. Not only that but Paul was now stopping some of the best strikers in Europe such as Gary Lineker and Ian Rush

That season saw Parker make his international debut for England and he impressed in his four caps before the World Cup to earn a spot on the plane to the World Cup finals. The pride in seeing a QPR player in such a festival of football brought all QPR fans together in our support for Paul.

He broke into the team in the Holland v England match when Bobby Robson changed the system to a sweeper. In most QPR fans eyes, Paul would be an obvious man marker or sweeper but he was selected as a right back/wing back.

Despite playing out of position he impressed and kept his place throughout the whole World Cup as England lost in the semi finals. That defeat against Germany was a big night for Parker. Paul deflected an Andres Brehme free kick into his own net to give the Germans the lead. As most of my school friends were ready to blame QPR and me for our World Cup exit, Parker produced the ball, which allowed Gary Lineker to get the equaliser and send the game to penalties.

Parker had one season left at the club. Speculation had linked him to many clubs and for the first time in his QPR career, injuries hit the defender and he missed most of the season.

He did register his one and only goal for the club that season much to the amazement to his team mates and supporters. Paul was a real defender who rarely went past the half way line but a 5-1 lead against Luton saw him go for it. He played a one two with Ray Wilkins and hit an angled shot from the edge of the area into the bottom corner. Paul looked as shocked as the rest of the stadium and it was a moment that will not be forgotten by QPR supporters.

He did return to help QPR to mid table again but it seemed the lay off had allowed him to think of his future and when Gerry Francis arrived as new manager, Parker asked for a transfer.

He joined Manchester United where he was used as a right back and he won several honours in his time at United such as two Premierships' and the FA Cup. His decision to leave was a correct one and the abuse he received upon his return was unjustified.

Paul Parker was an amazing defender. He was a boyhood hero to me.

For his height he had a spring similar to Les Ferdinand, which made him solid in all areas. His pace, tackling and general reading of the game was wasted at right back where he spent most of his International and Man Utd career.

For me, he was the best defender I have ever seen at QPR. He was compared with Nobby Styles and Bobby Moore during his career, which should have produced many more England caps. He was not the next Nobby Styles or Bobby Moore he was the one and only Paul Parker and he will never be replaced.