Phil Parkinson has shown his appreciation for Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac following a decision taken by Wrexham Council this week.
After dismissing Dean Keates, Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac opted to appoint Phil Parkinson as Wrexham manager in the summer of 2021.
Parkinson was wanted by West Brom at the time but he chose to join the National League team instead.
Following play-off heartbreak during his first season at the helm, the former Sunderland boss has enjoyed unprecedented success at the Racecourse Ground.
Wrexham won League One promotion on April 26, 2025, becoming the first team in history to go back-to-back-to-back when in the fifth tier or higher.
Now, Parkinson has been honoured for his success with the North Wales club.
- READ MORE: Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac’s impact on US investment in football after Wrexham fairytale explained
Phil Parkinson given freedom of Wrexham
After securing his third promotion in a row, ITV News reported in May that Wrexham Council were going to decide if Parkinson should be given the freedom of the town.
Reynolds and Mac have previously been awarded the honour for their contributions to the town and football club.
Now, the council has officially confirmed that the manager has been given the Freedom of Wrexham this week.
Council Leader Mark Pritchard said, as per Wrexham.com: “Football is the beating heart of Wrexham. It is in our blood. It’s part of who we are,” he said.
“Over the following three seasons, he achieved something that no other manager or club from the top five divisions of English league football has ever achieved – guiding the club to three consecutive promotions, back-to-back-to-back. Promotion in 2023 from the National League to League Two, promotion in 2024 from League Two to League One, and promotion in 2025 to the Championship.
“It’s an unprecedented achievement and guarantees his status as one of Wrexham’s greatest ever managers, if not the greatest.”
- READ MORE: Club history made for team Ryan Reynolds was mooted to buy in £300m deal earlier this year
Phil Parkinson thanks Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac
After receiving the honour, Parkinson was quick to thank Reynolds and Mac for their ‘unwavering support’.
Talks of Wrexham dismissing their manager emerged earlier this month, but they have since won two games on the spin, and Shaun Harvey has rubbished claims of a sacking.
On being given the Freedom of Wrexham, Parkinson stated: “Firstly, just a big thank you for approving today’s proposal to confer upon me the honorary freedom of the county borough of Wrexham.
“When me and my family first came to Wrexham just over four years ago, we were embraced by the club, the city, and most importantly, the local community.
“The documentary series has taken the club and the city of Wrexham to a global audience, but I think everybody will agree that what’s made the documentary so unique, such a success, is the special people here that make up the local community.”