Former Newcastle United captain lands surprise move to Champions League club

Former Newcastle United midfielder Scott Parker has been appointed as Club Brugge’s new head coach.

The 42-year-old was sacked by Bournemouth in August just days after the South Coast club were humiliated by Liverpool 9-0 at Anfield.

Parker has been linked with several jobs in England since but has decided to take himself to Belgium to manage the 18-time Belgian Pro League champions.

A club statement read: “Scott Parker succeeds Carl Hoefkens as head coach of Club Brugge.

“Parker had a great career as a footballer. He played for Chelsea, Newcastle United, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur, among others. The then midfielder played 18 times for the England national team and was also captain. “He started his coaching career as a trainer at Tottenham’s U18 and then became an assistant coach at Fulham under Claudio Ranieri and Slavisa Jokanovic.

“In February 2018, Parker became head coach at Craven Cottage. In 2020 he secured promotion to the Premier League with the Londoners. After his spell at Fulham, Parker joined Bournemouth. Parker was also able to force promotion to the Premier League with The Cherries.

“Scott Parker will be presented next week at the Belfius Basecamp.”

Parker, who made 73 appearances for Newcastle between 2005 and 2007, is set to take charge of his first match away at league leaders Genk next Sunday.

In February, Parker will turn his focus to the Champions League, with Brugge facing Benfica in the last 16.