Special club works for me, says Parkinson

NEW Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has revealed how only a special club like Wrexham could have tempted him back into the management pressure-cooker.

The 53-year-old boasts nearly two decades’ experience as a manager and has become highly respected in the game during a career that has seen him take charge of six different clubs.

During his time in the dug-out, Parkinson has won promotion on three occasions and most recently was at the helm at Sunderland who he parted company with in November 2020.

Job offers followed but he was waiting for the right opportunity – and it arrived when Wrexham came calling.

Parkinson, who has signed a 12-month rolling contract, feels he has got the chance to “create something” at the third oldest club in the world which was taken over by Hollywood stars Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds earlier this year.

“It has been a difficult year for everybody in terms of the pandemic and when I left Sunderland I enjoyed a bit of time with my family,” said Parkinson.

“There has been a few opportunities to go back in which I wasn’t interested in because in my mind, I wanted to go into a role where I could really get my teeth into and make something of a club.

“I just feel that Wrexham is that perfect opportunity. I don’t want to be a manager who goes to a club almost just to pick your wages up and you don’t feel you can create something so this is a chance to do that.

“We all know there is a lot of work which lies ahead of us - there is no magic wand and the owners know that. The structure has got to be gradually improved at the club in all areas but we are working towards that.”