Wrexham news: Phil Parkinson can keep the good times rolling for Red Dragons

All the team here at Sports News Blitz are massive fans of Welcome to Wrexham (OK maybe not Co Founder and Notts County fan Matt Dudley).

And we are watching on with interest as the Red Dragons continue their rise through the English Football League.

Phil Parkinson is the man steering the Welsh outfit on their mission, with them currently sitting in the top two promotion places in League One, with only big-spending Birmingham City ahead of them.

Here, Sports News Blitz writer Noah Mitchell takes a look at Wrexham, Parkinson and their incredible story so far…(just going to pat ourselves on the back for not mentioning Deadpool or Ryan Reynolds - oh)

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson is no stranger to an underdog success story.

He famously guided fourth tier Bradford City to the League Cup Final back in 2013, in a run which included shock victories over Arsenal and Aston Villa.

A couple of years later, his Bantams side would also shock Chelsea in the FA Cup – coming from two goals down to defeat Jose Mourinho’s men at Stamford Bridge.

Even in Parkinson’s first managerial role with Colchester United, the Lancashire-born man achieved an unthinkable feat.

Surprise promotion

Despite having one of the lowest budgets and attendances in the 2005/06 season, he managed to secure a surprise promotion up to the Championship.

This provided the U’s their first taste of second-tier football and in fact remains the last time the Essex side have experienced promotion almost 20 years further down the line.

Now, he looks to achieve the impossible with Wrexham.

When Parkinson, or perhaps ‘Parky’ more informally, was sacked by Sunderland during the Covid season, few would have predicted that he would land his next job in north Wales.

Three years on, with a heart-breaking play-off campaign added to the mix, the Red Dragons have escaped the depths of National League football and currently find themselves with esteemed company in League One.

Not only that, but Wrexham are amongst the pace-setters so far after their latest victory over Northampton Town at the weekend - albeit we are just 10 games into a new season.

The only team to have started better are Birmingham City.

The West Midlands side, who have spent over 50 seasons in the English top flight, are huge favourites to bounce straight back up to the Championship after spending up to a reported £25million during the summer.

So, this is great testament to a team that were competing with the likes of Dorking Wanderers just two seasons ago.

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But how likely is it that Wrexham maintain this form, and achieve an unprecedented triple promotion?

Many fans could be forgiven in thinking that Wrexham are ‘buying’ success and their rise is due to the financial gain and worldwide popularity brought by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

However, this may not necessarily be true.

Interestingly, nine of the starting XI at the Stok Cae Ras last week also starred in Wrexham’s 6-0 demolition of Forest Green Rovers which secured their promotion up from League Two.

Core group of players

This strong core group of players, which includes the permanent signing of goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, has been pivotal to Wrexham’s ability to adapt to a higher league.

Only three League One keepers can boast more clean sheets (5) than the former Arsenal man so far.

With this defensive stability locked, the Red Dragons have undoubted firepower at the other end too.

In addition to possessing both Ollie Palmer and Paul Mullin since their time in the National League, Jack Marriott has proved to be an excellent addition since his signing from Fleetwood Town with five goals this campaign.

And with Parkinson at the helm, fans should be confident they have the right man to guide them to further success.

Triple achievement

In fact, he is looking for a triple achievement of his own.

Wrexham could be the third side ‘Parky’ has successfully navigated League One with, after Colchester and Bolton Wanderers.

However, he insists on staying humble and not looking too far ahead.

Speaking to the Club’s official YouTube channel, Parkinson admitted after Wrexham’s most recent defeat: “It’s an unforgiving league…

this league is more unforgiving because the quality level is higher.”

Strong position

“We’re in a strong position but we need to improve,” is ultimately the message from Parkinson who isn’t going to become complacent on a strong start to the season.

With a solid, consistent start and with the ever-growing publicity, it is a very good time to be associated with Wrexham.

And as the second international break of the season looms, there is little evidence to suggest that the Red Dragons won’t be able to maintain this run of form.

However, as the season progresses, will hopes of another consecutive promotion be a distant dream come the summer?

Or will they be preparing for Championship life?

Only time will tell…

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