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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Welsh outfit riding high in League Two</li><li>Chasing down a top-three finish</li><li>Looking to other sports for inspiration</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>

How legendary jockey AP McCoy is inspiring Wrexham’s promotion race – with Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney making Phil Parkinson their entry in the League Two Grand National

The Welsh outfit know all about crossing the line in first place, having <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/ryan-reynolds-rob-mcelhenney-history-books-stunning-wrexham-record-not-beaten-2024-chesterfield/bltf58d44b6aa54a32b" target="_blank">claimed the National League title in record-breaking style last season</a>. They are now riding high in the League Two table, and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/will-wrexham-win-promotion-league-one-supercomputer-predicts-finish-2023-24-season-rob-mcelhenney-ryan-reynolds/bltbca39b81a39445a1" target="_blank">only need to finish in the top three this time around</a> in order to take another step up the EFL ladder.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Parkinson is the man charged with the task of delivering on the expectations of Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, with Wrexham hoping to have enough left in the tank to earn themselves a spot on the podium – a standing legendary jockey McCoy was accustomed to filling in his racing days.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Parkinson has told <a href="https://theathletic.com/5342093/2024/03/21/phil-parkinson-wrexham-interview-part-one/ " target="_blank">The Athletic</a> of how he is looking to icons from other sports in a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/revealed-what-the-boss-wrexham-makes-stunning-mural-the-turf-phil-parkinson-special-journey-ryan-reynolds-rob-mcelhenney/bltfae077d2d811091c" target="_blank">bid to inspire the troops at SToK Racecourse</a>: “This is what we have worked all season for. This is enjoyable pressure, the excitement is something to thrive on. I was reminded of that recently when watching a documentary on [record-breaking horse-racing jockey AP] McCoy. I love McCoy and love listening to him. This documentary was from the year he beat Gordon Richards’ record [of 269 race wins by a jockey in a season], so quite a while ago [2002]. His drive to win and desire were phenomenal [McCoy finished with 289]. That, to me, is what being a football manager is like. You’ve got that overwhelming drive to win burning inside.”

WHAT PARKINSON SAID

Wrexham have eight games left to take in this season, starting with a trip to Grimsby on Saturday. A bid for more title glory may yet be staged, as they are just five points adrift of leaders Mansfield, but <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/phil-parkinson-wrexham-melee-season-defining-ryan-reynolds-rob-mcelhenney-league-two-promotion/blt8ad03a906f23bbb0" target="_blank">only goal difference is keeping them inside the top three</a> at present. Parkinson’s side are beginning to shoot anxious looks over collective shoulders as the chasing pack close in.

WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

How legendary jockey AP McCoy is inspiring Wrexham’s promotion race – with Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney making Phil Parkinson their entry in the League Two Grand National | Goal.com UK

Phil Parkinson has revealed how AP McCoy is inspiring another promotion race at Wrexham, with the Dragons competing in a League Two Grand National.

How legendary jockey AP McCoy is inspiring Wrexham’s promotion race – with Ryan Reynolds &amp; Rob McElhenney making Phil Parkinson their entry in the League Two Grand National

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