Parkinson 'proud' to receive freedom of Wrexham

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has described the "incredible honour" of being awarded the freedom of Wrexham County Borough.

Parkinson was appointed Wrexham boss in 2021 and has guided the club to three successive promotions.

The 58-year-old received the award at Wrexham's Guildhall and joins the club's owners, Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, who were awarded the freedom of Wrexham in 2022.

"It's an incredible honour and I'm very proud of the award given today," said Parkinson, who paid tribute to the support of his family.

"It's a great indication of the impact a football club can have on the community and that's been recognised with the honour I've received.

"Obviously I'm well aware that I've had so much support in the five years I've been here.

"I've been very fortunate to work with fantastic owners in Rob and Ryan and a great structure of people from the coaching staff and some fantastic players over the years, with many significant contributions.

"But equally we talk a lot about the club's connection with the local community and the players have been outstanding in playing their part, not just on the pitch, but out in the city being visible.

"That will continue because Wrexham football club is so important for the area."

Under Parkinson Wrexham have risen from the National League to the Championship and the club's profile has grown globally thanks to the involvement of the Hollywood owners as well as the documentary Wecome to Wrexham.

Parkinson spoke of the benefits the football club's success is having on the wider community with a new Kop Stand currently being developed as part of the Wrexham Gateway project.

"It's great for myself and other people at the club to hear the stories of how the club's success has impacted positively on the area," Parkinson added.

"The economy of Wrexham has been uplifted by the success of the team and the infrastructure the owners are putting in place to take the club forward in years to come.

"It's really enjoyable to be among the business people and leaders of the city and have chats with them about their experiences of the last few years.

"Sometimes you need to step back and just reflect.

"It's hard to do while the season is going on, but a day like today gives me the opportunity to really feel the impact on the area in general."

This season saw Wrexham return to English football's second tier for the first time in 43 years.

Parkinson's side are currently seventh in the Championships, four points off the play-off spots with four game remaining.

"It's been an exciting season and the aim is to finish it strongly now," Parkinson added.

"But we've created a lot of memories this season.

"We've come into a tough league and we've enjoyed watching the players that have come with us in the last few divisions adapt to the level.

"We've integrated a lot of new players into the squad and with four games to go we're looking to finish the season on a high."