‘That means as much’ – Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson reveals touching text he received from Rob McElhenney after 5-0 thrashing as he praises Hollywood owners for support

The Dragons suffered a humbling reversal away at fellow League Two promotion hopefuls on September 23, with that contest seeing them concede five goals for the third time in the 2023-24 campaign. There was to be no emotional reaction to that drubbing, though, with the Welsh outfit retaining full confidence in their playing and coaching staff.

Wrexham have gone nine games unbeaten since that painful setback, winning six across all competitions, and remain among the fourth tier frontrunners following their record-breaking promotion back into the Football League last season.

McElhenney, along with fellow co-chairman Ryan Reynolds, continues to deliver financial and emotional support to Parkinson and his players, with the Wrexham boss saying at the FWA Northern Writers Awards: “Every promotion or title or cup you win as a manager is hard. It's really, really, really tough. There are tight dividing lines all the time and you need really good people alongside you. And with the glitz and the glamour of the Hollywood owners, that's great. But Rob and Ryan are really genuine people and have been so supportive to me and Steve. Not just financially, if we need to get a player in, but moral support, every time they come over or if we have a bad result. We got beat 5-0 at Stockport a few months ago, the first text was from McElhenney - ‘Phil we're right behind you, we're right with you’ and that means a much as being supported financially.”

Wrexham have moved into the second round of the FA Cup this season, are set to progress from their group in the Football League Trophy, and sit third in the League Two table after 16 games – five points back on leaders Stockport.