Born in Gateshead, Parkin spent his youth career with Ipswich Town and turned professional with Ipswich in December 1973, He was sent out on loan to Grimsby Town during the 1975–76 season and then to Peterborough United the following season. Later in 1977 he was loaned to Connecticut Bicentennials of the North American Soccer League. He made his Ipswich debut against Cardiff City in the third round of the FA Cup on 7 January 1978. Ipswich went on to win the FA Cup that season but Parkin wasn't part of the squad for the final itself. Parkin had made fewer than 20 first team appearances by the age of 27.