Welcome to Troy Town: Parrott’s Alkmaar revival gives him options

'My game has really come on since I moved to the Netherlands," said Parrott. 'All I’ve ever wanted was regular games. I knew things would work out for me once that happened.'

Troy Parrott has score 28 goals for AZ Alkmaar this season, and there still another month to go. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Nestled in the bowels of AZ Alkmaar’s stadium is a wall gallery of former managers including Louis van Gaal, Ronald Koeman and Arne Slot. The mural stretches from one side to the next, extending to feature Marco van Basten and Dick Advocaat.

Former players aren’t so exalted after they leave but when he does eventually depart Troy Parrott will go with their best wishes. Twenty goals in his first season. Twenty-eight goals so far this term. And there’s another month of the season remaining.