Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney usually take the headlines, but manager Phil Parkinson has also been instrumental to Wrexham’s recent success.
Joining the club in 2021, the EFL veteran has helped steer the Red Dragons from the National League to the dizzying heights of League One.
Despite his success, though, Parkinson remains a quiet and private individual, with many fans not knowing much about the Wrexham manager’s life.
With that being said, The Wrexham Insider provides you with everything you need to know about Parkinson, everything from his family to his stats.
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Phil Parkinson age and birthplace
Philip John Parkinson is currently 57 years old at the time of writing. He was born on December 1, 1967.
He is English, having been born in the Lancashire town of Chorley.
Phil Parkinson wife and family
Phil Parkinson has been married to Charlotte Parkinson for a number of years, and the pair have three children together. Phil’s son, George, works alongside him at Wrexham as a performance analyst.
Speaking after his 1000th managerial game, Parkinson spoke on the role his family has played during his career.
“You need a great family behind you as a manager and a good wife who understands the demands of the job and I’ve certainly got that.”
Phil Parkinson playing career
Despite being more well-known for his managerial antics, Parkinson did enjoy a successful playing career as a central midfielder, featuring for the likes of Bury and Reading over an 18-year-long career.
| Phil Parkinson playing career | Club | Apps | Goals |
| 1985–1988 | Southampton | 0 | (0) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988–1992 | Bury | 145 | (5) |
| 1992–2003 | Reading | 361 | (20) |
| Total | 506 | (25) |
Phil Parkinson teams coached
Following his retirement as a player in 2003, Parkinson would jump straight into management with EFL side Colchester United. After success with the U’s, he would go on to manage the likes of Hull City and Charlton Athletic – both of those spells, however, would end in disappointment.
Parkinson would eventually get his managerial career back on track with Bradford City, enjoying a super successful six years at Valley Parade, including a remarkable run to the League Cup final in 2013.
After his Bradford success, Bolton Wanderers would come calling for Parkinson, and he would spend three seasons at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, guiding them to Championship promotion in his first campaign.
EFL giants Sunderland would be next for Parkinson, taking charge of the Black Cats in 2019. His Wearside spell wouldn’t last long, however, receiving the sack a year later.
Following his Sunderland disappointment, Parkinson would look to rejuvenate his career and end up joining Wrexham in July 2021. The Red Dragons boss has gone on to enjoy huge success since taking over at the Racecourse Ground, achieving successive promotions from the National League to League One.
| Phil Parkinson managerial career | Clubs | ||
| 2003–2006 | Colchester United | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Hull City | ||
| 2008–2011 | Charlton Athletic | ||
| 2011–2016 | Bradford City | ||
| 2016–2019 | Bolton Wanderers | ||
| 2019–2020 | Sunderland | ||
| 2021– | Wrexham | ||
Phil Parkinson managerial stats
Phil Parkinson is one of the most decorated managers in EFL history, managing over 1000 games during his 20+ year managerial career
| Phil Parkinson managerial stats | Games | Points per game |
| Colchester United | 187 | 1.56 |
| Hull City | 24 | 0.96 |
| Charlton | 114 | 1.45 |
| Bradford | 274 | 1.46 |
| Bolton Wanderers | 157 | 1.15 |
| Sunderland | 48 | 1.46 |
| Wrexham | 204* | 2.03* |