By David Williams
Phil Parkinson is set to reach an extraordinary milestone this weekend, managing his 1,000th professional game as Wrexham face Peterborough United at the Racecourse Ground.
The 57-year-old manager has carved out an impressive career spanning over two decades, beginning with his first game in charge of Colchester United in March 2003, a 4-1 victory against Port Vale at Layer Road.
Joining an elite group of managers like Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsène Wenger, and José Mourinho to hit this landmark, Parkinson has reflected on how his early days in management shaped his career.
“I can remember my first game like it was yesterday,” he said.
“Every game you go into, you want to win as much as your first one.
“I took my first job, Colchester United, which was a team down the lower reaches of League One. Being successful in your first job gives you a great chance.
“Of course, I’ve had great support from my family and a lot of great people I’ve worked with. To still be in the game all these years later, I’m very proud of that.”
Wrexham boast the same mentality as Sir Alex Ferguson’s title-winning Manchester United side, says boss Phil Parkinson ⚽️#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/yh1eqS0zMd
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) December 29, 2024
Since those formative years, Parkinson has gone on to manage seven different clubs, with achievements that include promotions at Colchester, Bradford City, and Bolton Wanderers.
His managerial journey has also seen stops at Hull City, Charlton Athletic, and Sunderland before he joined Wrexham in July 2021.
Under Parkinson’s leadership, Wrexham have managed a remarkable resurgence. The club clinched the National League title in record-breaking fashion during the 2022-23 season, followed by a runners-up finish in League Two the very next year, securing back-to-back promotions for the first time in their history.
Now competing in League One, Wrexham are poised perfectly to push for an unprecedented third successive promotion.
They go into the game against Posh in third place in the table, just two points behind the top two, Wycombe Wanderers and Birmingham City.
“We’re going to give it everything,” Parkinson said about the second half of the campaign.
“There’s a desire amongst everybody at the club to try and achieve that. It won’t be a lack of professionalism, detail in our preparation, or effort on the pitch. We’re going to give it everything—let’s see where it takes us.”
Parkinson’s tenure at Wrexham has been characterised by his adaptability. Despite never having managed in the National League before, he embraced the challenge head-on.
“I’ve really enjoyed it. It was a big challenge when I came in because I’d never managed in the National League before,” he explained.
“You’ve got to learn the levels; it takes time. But I’ve enjoyed it every single day I come into work.”
Phil Parkinson says Wrexham will be “in the mix” to sign quality players if they become available during the January transfer window ⚽#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/MxqIosvUJU
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) December 19, 2024
The transformation of Wrexham under Parkinson has coincided with the club’s revival under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Parkinson credits the team’s growth to their shared vision and drive.
“The journey and the story at Wrexham has been incredible to be part of,” he said.
“Just seeing the transformation at the club and the area as well, I think that’s unique, and everything’s still moving forward in the right direction.”
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Parkinson’s career stats are a testament to his success: 417 wins from 999 games, equating to a win rate of 41.7%, with a remarkable 61.5% win rate in his 195 games at Wrexham.
This weekend, he’ll take charge of his 196th match as the Red Dragons’ boss, a tenure that has already been described as the most successful chapter of his career.
Looking ahead to the future, Parkinson remains focused and determined to continue the upward trajectory.
“To still be in the game all these years later, obviously I’m very proud of that,” he said.
“The journey has been incredible, and we’re all committed to seeing how far we can go together.”
“We’re going to give it everything and let’s see where it takes us.”
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