Wrexham have secured promotion to the Championship, and Phil Parkinson has given his first interview post-match.
Wrexham beat Charlton Athletic 3-0 on April 26, securing their spot in the second tier for the first time since 1982.
The Red Dragons played some sensational football across the 90 minutes, taking the lead via Ollie Rathbone.
Wrexham fans praised Rathbone for his superb strike – the latest in the long line of quality contributions from the midfielder.
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney earned praise as well, but there was another man who really shone not just on Saturday but over the last few months.
Phil Parkinson heaps praise on Wrexham star Sam Smith
After Rathbone made it 1-0, Sam Smith added Wrexham’s second of the day just three minutes later with another brilliant goal.
The former Reading striker netted his second and the club’s third of the day with 81 minutes on the clock, taking his goal tally to seven since arriving in the January transfer window.
Smith has been an amazing signing, and Phil Parkinson was full of praise for him post-match.
Speaking live on Sky Sports Football after the game, Parky was asked about the number nine and revealed he will be watching his second effort of the day back ‘100 times’.
He said: “Do you know what he’s been brilliant, he’s been outstanding. He’s physical, he can run, and he scores off crosses, which we get a lot of crosses in the box, and the third goal, I’m going to watch that back 100 times.”
Wrexham transfer record likely to be broken again
Wrexham broke their transfer record for Smith on January 31, spending seven figures on a player for the first time ever.
But given they have been promoted once more, it seems likely that record won’t last beyond the summer window.
Wrexham will increase their wages a great deal to battle in the second tier, and along with the higher wages will likely come much bigger transfer fees.
But with record profits posted in 2023/24 and another promotion now confirmed, big things should be in the Reds’ future.