PHIL PARKINSON is no stranger to success as manager but the Wrexham boss admits winning successive promotions for the first time is something he's proud of.
The 56-year-old was appointed Racecourse chief in the summer of 2021 and guided the Reds to the National League title following a record-breaking 2022-23 campaign.
There was more to celebrate on Saturday as the Reds thrashed Forest Green Rovers 6-0 to guarantee a top-three finish in League Two with two games remaining, securing back-to-back promotions for the first time in the club's history.
Although he previously went up a division with Colchester United, Bradford City and Bolton Wanderers, Parkinson had never clinched two promotions in a row until now and he believes Wrexham are on the right track for more glory.
"It means to so much. It is the first time I have personally achieved back-to-back promotions and it is the first time in Wrexham's history," said Parkinson.
"Other teams have come up, Stockport couldn't quite do it last year and ended up in the play-offs.
"Of course it is right up there and I am obviously very proud of every single player who has represented us this season.
"It is a massive moment for the football club. We have progressed quickly, we have had to in all areas.
"Last year when we got promotion I felt there was a lot more chapters to be written and I firmly believe that still now."
Parkinson wanted his players and staff to savour winning automatic promotion to League One but with two games to go, starting with Saturday's trip to local rivals Crewe Alexandra, it was back to it yesterday as Wrexham returned to training.
"It is job done and we are ecstatic," said Parkinson. "The lads had a couple of days off, I think it was important to soak up the promotion feeling.
"We are back to work but you would expect there to be a great feeling in the camp after promotion and there certainly was.
"It has been hard-earned. A lot of effort has gone in from so many people but we can enjoy it and finish the season off professionally, which is important, and then look forward to the summer."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here