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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Wrexham &amp; Stockport have become rivals</li><li>Two title races in three seasons</li><li>Parkinson explains how it will continue</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

'There is an edge between us' - Phil Parkinson opens up on rivalry with Stockport after Ryan Reynolds and Rob Elhenney's side beat League Two champions

In addition to the relative geographic proximity - about 50 miles separate the working class towns - adding spice, Parkinson explained that the clubs are likely to be competing for the same players in the transfer window this summer as they each build a squad to be competitive in League One.

WHAT HAPPENED?

This was the second time in three seasons that <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/team/wrexham/206vnsjv8ho5kpf88y0u2gaic" target="_self">Wrexham</a> and Stockport have battled for a league title. Back in 2021-22, when there was only one automatic promotion place out of the National League, it was the latter who were victorious as Wrexham fell in the play-offs. Stockport then ended up losing last season's League Two play-off final as Wrexham won the National League, serving to reunite them. It was predicted from the start of the campaign that they would go head-to-head once more, which proved to be the case. Both sealed automatic promotion on the same day, but <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/f-ck-you-wrexham-ryan-reynolds-rob-mcelhenney-mocked-stockport-red-dragons-league-two-title-bus-parade/blt111bb5ce301dca6c" target="_self">Stockport got the last laugh</a> by topping it off with the league title, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/wrexham-andy-cannon-secures-victory-over-stockport-finish-season-in-style/blt106cc89857feb6ea" target="_self">despite losing at the Racecourse on the final day</a>.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Via <a href="https://theathletic.com/5448779/2024/04/29/wrexham-stockport-rivalry/?source=emp-shared-article" target="_blank">The Athletic</a>, Parkinson said: "There is an edge between us and Stockport after the year we had in the National League. We have been progressing together. Everyone has said they are ahead of us in terms of that progression. They’ve had longer in [League Two]. Also, they’ve had longer with their owners and longer to work on their infrastructure. But we are catching them quickly."Stockport are as ambitious as ourselves. We probably get a bit more publicity because of [Welcome To Wrexham], but I am sure we will be competing with them in the summer for players."This has happened in the past, and I’m sure it will happen again. We have to make sure we get our targets in position, but Stockport will be fighting hard to get those players as well."

WHAT PARKINSON SAID

Rather like Wrexham with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/team/stockport-county/5adikbrse2tjc3zthxrx8ic2k" target="_self">Stockport</a> have massively benefitted from new ownership in recent years after previously falling on hard times. The club was taken over by local businessman Mark Stott in 2020, a year after promotion out of the sixth tier National League North, leading to huge investments being made in infrastructure and two further promotions in quick succession.

DID YOU KNOW?

Both clubs will be determined to attack League One, although consolidating with comfortable mid-table finishes might not be the worst thing after each has enjoyed such rapid rises. In fact, Wrexham executive director Humphrey Ker has even <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/wrexham-chief-explains-promotion-wouldnt-be-good-ryan-reynolds-rob-mcelhenney/blt6054ba462e1f268d" target="_self">suggested it would be beneficial to sit for a moment</a> to allow things like infrastructure to catch up and support the project.

WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM & STOCKPORT?

'There is an edge between us' - Phil Parkinson opens up on rivalry with Stockport after Ryan Reynolds and Rob Elhenney's side beat League Two champions | Goal.com US

Phil Parkinson speaks openly about the rivalry between Wrexham and Stockport County as the clubs climb the EFL ladder together.

&apos;There is an edge between us&apos; - Phil Parkinson opens up on rivalry with Stockport after Ryan Reynolds and Rob Elhenney&apos;s side beat League Two champions

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