Phil Parkinson awarded Freedom of Wrexham in recognition of guiding Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's team to three successive promotions

Wrexham councillors unanimously voted in favour of Parkinson receiving the Freedom of the Wrexham County Borough after their record-breaking 2024-25 campaign. The 57-year-old has overseen three straight promotions, the first time in English Football League history that a club has achieved such a feat. His recognition comes a year after Reynolds and McElhenney were given the same honour following their area-defining investment.

"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. 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. 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."

Parkinson's accolade highlights the extraordinary transformation Wrexham have enjoyed since Reynolds and McElhenney's 2021 takeover. The club's rise through the divisions has captured global attention, primarily through the international success of Welcome to Wrexham, while strengthening ties with the local community. His words reflect the ethos of ensuring the team's story resonates as much in the North Wales region as it does worldwide.

Wrexham will now look to consolidate their position in the Championship following back-to-back-to-back promotions. Parkinson is determined to maintain the momentum as the Red Dragons continue working on their dream of playing in the Premier League. However, the latest step up has been tough and the team sit 16th in the table, after two wins from six league outings. The play-off berths are only four points ahead, but the relegation zone is just half that gap behind.