Just three months ago, a Dutch regional news channel conducted vox pops in Alkmaar’s city centre, quizzing punters if Troy Parrott should start for AZ Alkmaar. Believe it or not, most people wanted Ireland’s new national hero to be dropped in favour of academy graduate Mexx Meerdink. Only in recent weeks did Parrott finally win over his doubters in the Netherlands, before announcing himself to all of Europe. This is the story of Parrott’s time in Dutch football.
Excelsior signings don’t get much coverage. The Rotterdam side work on a shoestring budget, meaning that any reinforcements are sourced from the bargain basement. The temporary arrival of Parrott in 2023, however, sparked some interest. His remarkable surname wasn’t lost on the Dutch, nor was the unlikeliness of little Excelsior doing busi
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