PHIL PARKINSON has praised Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney for the wonderful support he has received from the duo since he was appointed Wrexham manager.

Parkinson, who took charge at The Racecourse in July 2021, was speaking at the 42nd Football Writers' Association (North) Managers’ Awards Dinner held The Edwardian hotel in Manchester.

The bash featured nine award-winning bosses from 2022-23 - headed by Pep Guardiola who led Manchester City to a Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup treble - and Parkinson was honoured following Wrexham's record-breaking campaign.

The Reds clinched automatic promotion as National League champions with a best-ever 111 points haul after coming out on top in a thrilling title race with Notts County, securing a return to the Football League following a 15 year absence.

In his acceptance speech, shared on X by commentator Ian Dennis, Parkinson hailed multi-millionaire actors Reynolds and McElhenney for their moral and financial support.

"Every promotion, title or cup you win as a manager is hard, it is really tough," said the Reds' boss.

"It is tight dividing lines all the time and you need really good people alongside you.

"With the glitz and the glamour of the Hollywood owners, that's great, but Rob and Ryan are really genuine people.

"They have been so supportive to me and Steve Parkin.

"Not only financially if we need to get a player in but also moral support.

"Every time they come over or we've had a bad result - we got beat 5-0 at Stockport a few months ago - the first text I got was Rob McElhenney: 'Phil, we are right behind you, we are right with you', and that means as much as being supported financially."

Parkinson also thanked his back-room staff, which includes long-standing assistant manager Steve Parkin, first team coach David Jones and goalkeeping coach Aidan Davison, for the part they have played in the success story.

"Equally, no manager can ever be successful without a great staff behind them," said Parkinson.

"Steve, my assistant, we have worked together a long time and he has been outstanding support for me in the last 10 years.

"We have had a great journey together at Wrexham and Steve, Dave Jones, Aidan Davison, all the medical staff, have been outstanding.

"No manager should ever kid themselves that you are so good that you are going to go in and you are going to be successful without a really good support team.

"You need good people and you need good family with you.

"A good support team is so important."

There was also a special mention for Notts County - managed by Luke Williams - who eventually finished four points behind Wrexham but joined the Reds in the EFL after winning the play-offs.

"I would like to congratulate Notts County as well," added Parkinson.

"I think ourselves and Notts County put the National League on the map last year with an extraordinary title challenge.

"We fought tooth and nail against each other and great credit to Luke and his team as well.

"We were delighted when they finally got promotion as well."