Phil Parkinson

September 25th, 2025

Four years ago, a small football club from north Wales travelled to East Anglia to play before a crowd of 800 people. In September 2025, that same club, Wrexham AFC, arrived at Norwich City's iconic Carrow Road, faced 26,000 spectators, and defeated a top Championship side . This remarkable journey, from the depths of non-league football to the heights of the second tier of English football, has been masterminded by a man whose burning passion and unwavering belief have become the engine of a modern sporting fairy tale: Phil Parkinson.

Personal Background

Phil Parkinson's connection to football's gritty realities runs deep. Born on December 1, 1967, in the Lancashire town of Chorley, his own playing career was built on hard work and determination rather than sheer glamour . As a central midfielder, he enjoyed an 18-year professional career, most notably with Reading, where he made over 350 appearances, was twice named Player of the Season, and was later voted the club's best-ever central midfielder by fans . This understanding of the game from the pitch level forged his footballing identity. His former teammate, goalkeeper Shaka Hislop, captures the duality that would define his managerial style: "Nicest man you’ve ever seen off the field. On the field he turns into something totally different!" .

After retiring in 2003, Parkinson moved directly into management. His early career was a journey of resilience, navigating the challenges of clubs like Colchester United, Hull City, and Charlton Athletic . He honed his craft through both successes and setbacks, learning the lessons that would prepare him for his ultimate challenge. He is a family man, supported by his wife, Charlotte, and their three children. His son, George, now works alongside him at Wrexham as a performance analyst, making the club's journey a true family affair.

Career Highlights

Parkinson's managerial career is a testament to his ability to inspire overachievement. His legacy was already significant before he arrived at Wrexham, most famously leading fourth-tier Bradford City to the 2013 League Cup final (a historic feat for a club of that stature) and masterminding an unforgettable 4-2 FA Cup victory over Jose Mourinho's Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. However, it is at Wrexham where his record has reached legendary status.

Since taking charge in July 2021, Parkinson has engineered three consecutive promotions, a staggering achievement that has returned Wrexham to the Championship for the first time in nearly two decades . His point-per-game record of 2.03 at Wrexham far surpasses his tally at any previous club, underscoring the incredible efficiency and success of his leadership .

The table below outlines his managerial achievements across his career, highlighting his exceptional success with the Red Dragons.

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Behind-the-Scenes

Beyond the tactics and trophies lies the real Phil Parkinson: a leader who builds success on a foundation of honesty, hard work, and profound belief. Those who have worked with him for years describe a manager who is "incredibly thorough" and "works so, so hard," often travelling long distances to scout opponents or players, never missing an opportunity to gain an edge .

His players describe a manager who is "honest" above all else . This honesty can sometimes come with a fiery intensity, a trait that has been featured prominently in the "Welcome to Wrexham" documentary series. Wing-back Ryan Barnett admits to experiencing the "hairdryer" treatment but clarifies, "It’s all done so honestly that you take it. What he’s saying is said with love. He’s not being mean to you, he just wants the best for you and the team" . This ability to balance fierce criticism with unwavering support creates a powerful bond and a relentless drive within the squad.

Perhaps his greatest skill is instilling an unshakeable belief. Veteran striker Steven Fletcher, a former Premier League player, expressed amazement at the mentality Parkinson has cultivated: "In one of my first games after signing, we went one or two goals down... I then turned to the players next to me and they’re all saying, ‘We’ll come back and win this’. That belief is all down to the gaffer" . This mindset has become a hallmark of Parkinson's Wrexham, making them a team that is never truly beaten.

Future Aspirations

The immediate goal for Parkinson and Wrexham is consolidation in the Championship. After a rapid ascent, the focus is on establishing the club as a competitive force in the second tier . Parkinson has consistently called for perspective, reminding critics of the club's recent past to underscore the magnitude of its present achievements .

Looking further ahead, the ultimate ambition is clear: the Premier League. The club's structure, Hollywood-backed ownership, and global profile are all aligned with this goal, and Parkinson is the man tasked with leading the way . While the Championship presents a new level of challenge, the manager's experience and proven ability to evolve suggest that what seems like a dream to outsiders is treated as a tangible target within the walls of the Racecourse Ground.

Teammate/Coach Perspectives

Colleagues and players past and present offer a vivid picture of the man behind the manager.

Lee Butler, former goalkeeping coach: "Phil is incredibly thorough... He’s loyal, too, and once you have his trust, he leaves you to it. People will have seen in the documentary, Phil also still has that massive fire within him to win, even after 1,000 games" .
Steven Fletcher, Wrexham striker: "The belief the gaffer has created here is incredible... It’s why I always say to anyone who asks for tickets to come and watch us, ‘You need to stay to the end’" .
Ryan Barnett, Wrexham wing-back: "I asked him what sort of manager he is and he replied, ‘Honest’. That pretty much sums up how he is" .
Mark Lawn, former Bradford City co-chairman: Recalling a moment when Parkinson revived the team's belief after a defeat, Lawn said, "I looked around the lads and could see the words were really hitting home. As they got off the coach a few minutes later, there was a spring in their step. It was amazing" .

Fan Connection

The bond between Parkinson, the team, and the Wrexham community is electric and symbiotic. He frequently revels in the "terrific atmosphere" at the Racecourse Ground, noting the "great connection from the stands with the players" . This connection has been a key ingredient in the club's formidable home record, which has seen them score more home league goals than any other side in England's top four divisions since the start of the 2023-24 campaign .

Parkinson actively encourages his players to feed off this energy. After a 3-0 win over Reading, he explained, "I said to the lads at half time, 'you've got to really enjoy this, lads' because every tackle, every block, every time someone sprints back and every quality moment, the fans are right behind you" . In an era of intense scrutiny, he has also mastered the art of shielding his team from external noise, stating, "I block everything out, concentrate on the people that I trust and the people that have given me great support at the football club" . This steadfast leadership fosters a unified front between the team and its supporters.

Legacy Impact

Phil Parkinson's legacy at Wrexham is already secure. He is the architect of the most successful period in the club's modern history, delivering three consecutive promotions and restoring it to a level many thought unattainable . But his impact transcends the league tables and trophy cabinets.

He has been instrumental in transforming a community-owned club into a global phenomenon, seamlessly integrating with the vision of owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney while staying true to the club's working-class roots. His presence in the popular documentary has made him a recognizable figure far beyond football, yet he has remained focused on the core mission: winning football matches .

Ultimately, Phil Parkinson's legacy is one of restored pride and proven possibility. He has reminded everyone associated with Wrexham—and football at large—that with clear identity, relentless work ethic, and unwavering belief, even the most ambitious dreams are within reach. As the club continues its journey, the statue fans talk of building would be less a tribute to one man and more a monument to the collective belief he forged—a belief that took a team from playing before hundreds to conquering grounds before tens of thousands .