All eyes are on Wrexham since the takeover of Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, but Phil Parkinson knows the secret to ensuring there is a harmonious balance at the football club.
Wrexham have soared in recent years, going from National League obscurity to now fighting it out at the top of League One and looking like they may secure a third-successive promotion.
Phil Parkinson has been the mastermind behind that rapid rise, and in large part, it has all been down to the backing of Wrexham owners, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.
But, with all the fame and attention coming their way, it’s been important for Wrexham to keep their eyes on the prize and make sure football always comes first.
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Phil Parkinson says Wrexham have great balance between media exposure and football focus
Speaking to CBS Sports (via Twitter/X) after Wrexham’s win over Peterborough this weekend, Parkinson was asked about the huge exposure the club has right now and how he and the Wrexham squad manage to handle those potential distractions.
He said: “I think one of the key things we’ve all done well is get the balance right between off the pitch and the extra media and commercial things we have to do, and remaining focused on training and matchday, that’s absolutely key.
“We have to enjoy the exposure certain individuals and the club is getting, but make sure we understand that every time we cross that white line, we’re representing a real working class town, and we have to make sure that we run hard every game, and we play with a real fire and determination to get a result.”
On what he expects of his players, Parkinson added: “You can’t always win, we know that, but as long as we come off the pitch and we’ve represented the area in the right way, I’m always happy.”
Rob and Ryan have to make sure they don’t lose sight of what’s most important in Wrexham project
There is no denying Rob and Ryan’s tenure as Wrexham owners has been massively successful, both on and off the pitch. But, as the venture grows and grows, they have to be careful.
One of Rob and Ryan’s key missions this year will be to help get the club promoted once more, but they will also be eager to keep maximising the exposure of Wrexham, too.
While Parkinson and the players appear to have a good handle on how to balance those two things, the Hollywood owners will need to do the same.
They’ve shown no signs of losing sight of the top priority so far, and here’s hoping that the football club always remains the most important thing at the heart of this project.