Jordan Parkes was one of Mark Stimson’s early signings in the summer of 2010 and was seen, at the time, as a very good signing by most Bees’ fans. Parkes arrived from Watford where he had been chosen to play forEnglandat Under 18, under 19 and under 20 level. However, he was unable to break into the first team, making just two senior appearances. Parkes played mainly at full back for the Hornets but also sometimes played in midfield.
In 2007/08, Parkes was loaned out by Watford and late in the season, had a loan spell at Underhill, at right back, making 10 League Two appearances in all. So when he signed for the Bees in 2010, he was a familiar face to the Bees’ fans. Parkes made his Barnet debut atChesterfieldat left back, even though he was primarily a left sided player.Jordanwas a regular first team player during his first year at Underhill, but his performances were often quite disappointing. Perhaps it was that he was right footed and yet was deployed on the left. Certainly he often seemed to give opposing wide players too much space and sometimes seemed to be targeted by clubs as a weak point in Barnet’s defence. Going forward, he did look good on the ball, but his final delivery was often poor and his crossing ineffectual. However, he made over 40 first team appearances in 2010/11, scoring 1 goal.
Parkes began last season in the first team and played in the League Cup win at Portsmouth and the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy win at Colchester, but Lawrie Sanchez did not seem completely happy with his form and he was dropped following the 2-0 home defeat byOxford. The next match saw Barnet lose 4-0 at Swindon and Parkes was re-instated for the home match with Northampton, but following another home defeat he was dropped again. Parkes only made one more start for the Bees, at Hereford in October and his last appearance for Barnet was as a substitute in the FA Cup tie at Southport in November. He was subsequently loaned out to Blue Square South club, Farnborough and released by Barnet at the end of the season. A disappointing end to his Barnet career.
Barnet Mad wishes Jordan all the best in the future.