Swimming prodigy hoping to sink not swim in the Premier League. The Beast uses his bulking frame to give defences no end of trouble
Known as The Beast due to his imposing physique – 6ft 4in and 13st 7lb – Parkin started life as a central defender at York City, but converted to centre-forward.
He joined Stoke from Hull City in a permanent deal in July 2007, having enjoyed a brief and productive loan spell at the Britannia Stadium the previous season, scoring three times in six appearances.
He failed to replicate that kind of form during their promotion-winning campaign but will be hoping to prove his worth in the Premier League. One for the trivia fans: Parkin could have been a top-class swimmer had he not opted to turn professional at the age of 17.