Phil Parkinson pinpoints exact moment he realised Wrexham had become global phenomenon

Phil Parkinson took some persuading to join Wrexham when he was first offered the manager's job in the summer of 2021.

The former Sunderland and Bolton boss had spent most of his recent career with sides in either League One or the Championship.

However, as seen in the hit Welcome to Wrexham documentary, it was a lengthy phone call from co-owner Rob McElhenney that finally convinced him to step down to the then-National League outfit.

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More than three years later, and with two successive promotions under his belt, Parkinson has reflected on his whirlwind journey at Wrexham, who currently sit third in League One.

The Red Dragons have experienced a meteoric rise under McElhenney and Hollywood A-lister Ryan Reynolds' ownership, making the club and Parkinson himself a household name.

The 56-year-old has now revealed to Sky Sports the exact moment he realised how big the documentary's impact was during the club's first US tour in the summer of 2023.

He said: “It's been great to be part of this story because Rob and Ryan bought the club with the intention of getting us out of the National League and lifting the area as well.

“They've certainly done that and the uplift in Wrexham has been fantastic. There's a real passion for the club here and in the surrounding area of North Wales.

“Every home game we've got a sell-out crowd and away from home, we also sell out all our tickets.

“It wasn’t until we went to the US on the first tour that we realised how much the story had captivated people's attention over there.

“The following we had was amazing and you almost had to be there to believe it. We went back this year, and the way we were welcomed was amazing.”

Parkinson features prominently in the Disney+ documentary charting Reynolds and McElhenney's time as owners.

Fans have particularly enjoyed his expletive-filled half-time rants, which infamously saw him label his players as "fanny f***ing footballers" in one episode.

When asked how he felt about living under the camera glare, Parkinson admitted to finding it uncomfortable during his early days at Wrexham.

However, he hailed the positive working relationship that has since developed with the documentary crew.

He said: “You forget the cameras are there, because for me, Steve (Parkin), and the rest of the staff, the job is to concentrate on what we've got to do at half time, before the game or during the week in training.

“We’re used to having the cameras around now. It took a few weeks to get used to it at first and it was a little bit strange, but we've got a good relationship with the guys who are doing the filming.

“There's a trust element that has to be in place because we've got to work together to help tell the story.”