Red Dragons head coach Phil Parkinson spoke glowingly about his team’s success over the course of 2023 as the hard work of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has started to pay off

Red Dragons head coach Phil Parkinson spoke glowingly about his team’s success over the course of 2023 as the hard work of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has started to pay off

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has hailed his team after they equalled Manchester City’s record for league wins over the course of the calendar year.

The Red Dragons achieved promotion back to the EFL with 22 victories as they beat Notts County to the National League title in dramatic circumstances. Following on from this, they settled into life in League Two nicely with four wins from their opening eight matches.

Now, the North Wales outfit’s head coach has reflected on what has been a historic nine months so far for his side during the course of 2023. For him, the fact that Wrexham are now being mentioned in the same breath as Man City indicates that his team is doing a lot right currently.

Of course, Pep Guardiola’s City team waltzed to another Premier League title earlier in the year as part of their spectacular treble triumph. Seeing off the challenge of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in the league, they eventually finished the season five points ahead of the Gunners.

Like Wrexham, the Cityzens have started the new season strongly also and sit top of the Premier League with five wins from as many games. Reflecting on their own achievement during the last nine months, Dragons chief Parkinson has waxed lyrical about his team’s successes.

Speaking to the BBC, he asserted: “We’re very proud of that because we’re up against some very good teams across the pyramid of football. To be up there and talked about with names like Man City is a great achievement for everybody at the club.

“Like Man City will be saying when they saw that stat come out and how well they’ve done, it’s about what’s ahead. We know that we’ve done well to be up there and talked about with those names, but it’s what’s ahead and how do we go again and achieve even more.”

The 55-year-old went into more detail about how he plans to now take Wrexham forward during their new chapter in the fourth tier. His contention is that the hard work must now continue as they look to pay owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney for their dedication.

He added: “We’ve worked hard since the start of the season in looking at areas we needed to improve, personnel and in terms of structure of the side. I’ve enjoyed the division so far, enjoyed the new season, and very excited about what lies ahead.

“I feel we’ve got a squad that’s evolving into a good one and there’s decent competition across the pitch and there’s been some good performances.”