1960 (Part 2) - WILLIAM FRANCIS PARSONS
Make no mistake, Frank Parsons was all that was good and successful within the Chelsea Football Club. His contribution over 46 years combines so many events rich in their implementation that we can only touch on them here today.
As the club’s longest serving secretary of 17 years, Frank was instrumental in overseeing an incredible 22 Senior/Junior premierships and filling almost every position of note within the club. Frank was, understandably, ever-protective of his Club’s long era of success.
No-one could disagree from the day that the then president Claude Dowse invited Frank to be Secretary, that it would be a special time in the club’s history. Claude had recognised in Frank a razor sharp wit, strength of character and an ability to lead from the front. It should be said that Frank was one of the few people who could tell Claude where to go and get away with it, and that is saying something!
With Claude’s retirement as club president, Frank insisted that only local, well-respected men held the position. Mick Salter, Tom Johnstone, Tiger Collins, Bill Coghlan and Jack Duncan were to assume the role following the great man.
Frank also knew instinctively the value of quality coaches and was active in ensuring the appointment of senior and junior coaches who got results.
Frank’s time as an MPFL delegate was also very significant. Whenever Frank spoke to express his point, people would listen. He was precise, pointed and clear in his assessment of what were often regarded as difficult issues. If challenged, Frank invariably had a cutting and well thought through response.
On many occasions opposition club representatives would privately seek his counsel and advice. This was always forthcoming and earned him the respect and gratitude of everyone throughout the MPFL network.
Great friend and Life Member, John Hornsey said on many occasions, “Frank Parsons had presence. You always knew Frank was in the room even though you couldn’t see him.”
Although guilty of sometimes calling the umpire a ‘silly white rabbit’ from across the fence, Frank always made sure that there was a jug in their room after the game and always followed up with conversation in after-match festivities.
How can we forget Frank’s favourite sayings:
· Make no mistake.
· This is of paramount importance.
· Look me in the eye. Listen to me and listen to me good.
· If I can’t push you up the hill, I won’t push you down it.
· Any man who thinks I’m a stupid man IS a stupid man.
· Buddy boy—go buddies!
Frank was larger than life, a leader and an innovative and a supremely loyal ambassador for this club and indeed, the Mornington Peninsula.
He won’t be forgotten. His legacy will remain forever.
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