Award made Wrexham impact 'hit home' - Parkinson

Phil Parkinson became Wrexham manager in the summer of 2021

Phil Parkinson says being awarded the Freedom of the Wrexham County Borough has made north Wales club's remarkable achievements over recent seasons fully "hit home".

The 57-year-old has guided Wrexham to three successive promotions under the ownership of Hollywood pair Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Wrexham councillors unanimously voted in favour of Parkinson being handed the honour in the aftermath of their successful 2024-25 campaign, and the manager says he appreciated being given the opportunity to let the impact of the club's remarkable achievements sink in.

"It's a great honour, it's very humbling to be given the award," said Parkinson.

"I really enjoyed going down to the Guildhall and being in the meeting with all of the councillors because sometimes as a manager you're in a bubble and you don't get a chance to reflect.

"But listening to people speak about the impact of the club on the area since Rob and Ryan have been here and the success, and people talking about their great memories over the last four years was fantastic, it made me feel very humble.

"It really hit home to me the impact on the club's success on the city itself and the surrounding area."

Wrexham became the first ever side to secure three consecutive promotions in the English Football League (EFL) under Parkinson earlier this year.

But the manager has regularly echoed the sentiments of owners Reynolds and McElhenney that the club must remain integral to the local community.

His award comes after the Hollywood pair were given the Freedom of Wrexham in 2023, just two years after their takeover of the Stok Cae Ras club was officially ratified.

"We are at the heart of the community, the football club is all about that long before we came, how important the football is to the community," added Parkinson.

"Rob and Ryan's understanding of that is incredibly well received. All along, we've stressed that it comes from the top that as much as Wrexham has got a global appeal, the most important thing is the local businesses, the local people who have supported the club through some tough times and feel that connection.

"I feel that that's been achieved and long may it continue."