Billericay Town have announced the signing of attacking midfielder, Jordan Parkes, from fellow National South side, Hemel Hempstead Town. Formerly captain of the Tudors, the 29 year old recently became the club’s all-time leading goal scorer, recording an impressive 110 strikes. Parkes is the second new playing recruit for the coming season after full-back, Josh Urquhart-McLeod.

Wheeler gets his man as Jordan Parkes signs for the Blues.

A proven talent at National South level, the signature of one of manager Harry Wheeler’s long term targets provides a major boost to the club’s bid to improve on its 8th place showing last year. A contributor from midfield of a goal count in double figures each season, the ex-Hemel man is a free kick specialist and regular penalty taker. Hugely influential at the Hertfordshire side, he served with distinction for six out of the past seven campaigns, he brings important leadership skills and must be in strong consideration to serve as the Blues skipper after the departure of Jake Howells to Hemel.

Named in the National League South’s Team of the Year in 2018-19, he contributed 15 strikes in all competitions during the season, scored a goal from close to the halfway line, and scooped the individual end of season Player, Manager’s Player, and Supporter’s Player of the Year awards. His departure from his previous employers coincides with the entry of a new management team in Hertfordshire. Clearly, Hemel’s loss is very definitely Billericay’s gain and the Essex side has done well to secure his services. The player was highly solicited by a number of rival National South outfits.

Parkes signed his first professional contract with Watford in 2007, making a single appearance, before departing to join League Two, Barnet, in June 2010, featuring over fifty times. After a very short spell at Chelmsford City, he linked up with his hometown club, Hemel, in October 2012. Moved into midfield, from a full-back role, he proved to be a revelation with a keen eye for goal, as Hemel gained promotion to the Conference South in 2013-14. Thriving at the higher level, Parkes scored 30 goals in 56 appearances in 2014-15 taking the Tudors to a highest ever 9th position.

Spending 2015-16 at National South side Ebbsfleet, Parkes returned to Hemel after one season. His good form continued as he accumulated 33 more goals in all competitions over the last two campaigns. Following the departure of manager, Dean Brennan, to Billericay last September, Parkes even took on the managerial hot-seat for a month until the arrival of Joe Deeney in late October 2018. A UEFA B licensed coach, who owns his own coaching school (JP Pro Football), Parkes is a keen student of the game and can be expected to contribute strong leadership skills on the pitch.

Parkes arrival is a major coup and provides a strong indication that, despite talk of a reduced budget, there are funds available for the right player that can improve the team.

We would like to welcome Jordan to the Club and wish him every success.