WREXHAM’S latest accolade might not be the biggest honour they’ve received but Phil Parkinson is not taking the Fair Play Award lightly and says an excellent disciplinary record contributed to a successful season.

Parkinson’s side clinched automatic promotion to the Football League following a record-breaking 2022-23 campaign and the Reds received another gong at the National League AGM held at Celtic Manor Resort.

The Reds’ discipline was the best in the division and the title-winners scooped the Fair Play Award after finishing with 54 points.

Only 49 yellow cards were brandished to Wrexham players during the 46 league games.

There was just one sending one, with wing-back Callum McFadzean shown a straight red card in April’s goalless draw at Barnet.

Aldershot Town were second in the Fair Play table with 69 points, followed by Altrincham (70) and Notts County (76).

Wrexham were involved in a thrilling title race with the Magpies and Parkinson says being disciplined ensured players weren’t missing games through suspension and were able to help the Reds return to League Two following a 15-year absence.

“At the start of the season, we sat down with the lads and discussed discipline,” said Parkinson, who himself won the National League manager of the season award.

“The year before we had players sent off which had proved costly and we spoke about not getting needless yellow cards and obviously sending offs, and the only sending off we got was Callum’s at Barnet.

“All those things add up to be part of a successful season, and keeping your control in pressure games.

“As much as the Fair Play Award is not seen as too prestigious, for us it was something we set out to be right at the top of that table because I knew it would impact on the season if we were.”

Parkinson is looking for his players to avoid needless cards when the new season kicks off on Saturday August 5, with the fixtures released on Thursday.

“Just being on the pitch is important,” added Parkinson.

“Being competitive and ready for the fight in every game but making sure that you doing that in control, and hopefully we will continue to do that as much as possible.”

County lost out to Wrexham in the battle for the title but Luke Williams’ side clinched promotion by beating Chesterfield in the play-off final at Wembley, and the Magpies also won the Programme of the Year award at the National League AGM.