- Experienced coach sought after takeover
- Back-to-back promotions enjoyed since then
- Rolling contract continues to be ticked over
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The Hollywood co-owners arrived at SToK Racecourse in 2021 aware of the need to bring an experienced coach into the dugout. A big play for Parkinson was made, following initial reluctance on his part, and a memorable journey has been enjoyed together in North Wales since.
GettyWrexham have taken in back-to-back promotions, making history along the way, and are now flying high in League One. Parkinson has the full support of a loyal fanbase, given all that he has achieved, while the famous chairmen are happy to let him continue for as long as he feels beneficial to the club and long-term ambition.
Wrexham director Shaun Harvey has told The Leader of getting Parkinson on board shortly after Reynolds and McElhenney’s takeover was completed: “None of us at the time truly knew how big the football club was going to become back then. But what we did realise was with everything else that was going to be attached to the club, we needed a manager with experience. Not just an experienced manager but somebody who was prepared to commit for the long term.
“Everybody says it's been great but it was always going to be. There were moans and groans amongst the fanbase early on that we weren't delivering, you have just got to have courage and strength in your conviction. What success over a period of time buys you is that right. You should have it right from the start but understandably, everybody needs to be persuaded it is right rather than trusting you. Whereas at the moment, I think the phrase 'in Phil we trust' is probably the default now for the majority of fans but that is only because he has earned it over the last three-and-a-bit years.”
GettyHarvey added on how Parkinson’s contract works and why there is no reason to believe that he will be walking away any time soon: “Phil's contracted approach hasn't changed since the day he arrived. We made a commitment to Phil to get him to come to the club and that commitment still remains in place today. He's on a rolling contract and that continues until either party decides it is not going to. And for anybody who has got any concerns about it, we can only point towards the success we have had so far.”
Parkinson is looking to deliver a historic third-successive promotion for Wrexham, which could lead to another all-expenses-paid party in Las Vegas, with the Red Dragons – who intend to reach the Premier League at some stage – sat second in the third-tier table through 10 rounds of fixtures.