Wrexham have achieved huge success in recent years, with one man in particular playing a key role
Liam Randall
13:33, 15 Jan 2026
Ryan Reynolds has been told that one of the most important figures at Wrexham is good enough to manage in the Premier League.
That is the view of Wrexham legend Mickey Thomas, who believes Phil Parkinson's remarkable work at the Racecourse Ground puts him among the very best managers in the game right now. Thomas, who played at the highest level during his own glittering career in the 1970s and 1980s with clubs including Manchester United and Chelsea, has been hugely impressed by what Parkinson has achieved since taking charge in July 2021.
Speaking this week after Wrexham's dramatic FA Cup victory over Nottingham Forest - a match Thomas watched from the owners' box alongside club co-owner Reynolds - the former Red Dragons winger heaped praise on the manager. He also hailed Parkinson's unsentimental approach to overhauling his squad as being key to his success.
Appearing on the Joy Of Football podcast, he said: "If you look at the manager Phil Parkinson and what he's done, that is the most difficult job in football, with all the razzmatazz and all the cameras around him. He's stayed focused and I've talked to him many times.
"I spoke to him after the [Nottingham Forest] game in the office. I said to him that it's incredible what he's done, but he's a very ruthless man. He knows what he wants. There's been lots of change in personnel with players each season.
"Once they've done their part and they're not wanted anymore, they're gone and they've got new ones coming in. He has the luxury of having the money to go out and buy the quality as well, but he has done something special.
"I believe at this moment in time, he could be the best manager in all the football leagues and even in the Premier League. He's done amazing."
Parkinson has overseen a stunning rise for Wrexham since the club was bought by Hollywood star Reynolds and fellow actor Rob Mac in February 2021. Under his management, the Red Dragons have achieved three promotions in a row and are now competing in the Championship for the first time in 43 years.
After a shaky start to life in the second tier, which briefly sparked rumours about Parkinson's future that were quickly dismissed by club officials, Wrexham are now flying. They sit ninth in the table, just one point off the play-off places, having won their last four league games.
Last week's FA Cup success against Premier League side Nottingham Forest, sealed on penalties, only added to the growing belief around the club. Thomas was present for that famous night and spoke to Parkinson shortly afterwards.
He also highlighted the hands-off approach of the owners as something he feels has been crucial to Parkinson's achievements.
Thomas said: "Fair dos to Rob and Ryan, they don't get involved with him or whatever he wants to do on team affairs or selection. They're not involved with that. It's clear that he is solely the manager inside that football club, which is the way it should be."
Despite the growing pressure that comes with Wrexham's rapid rise, Thomas sees no reason why Parkinson can't continue to succeed at this level and beyond.
He added: "The pressure becomes even greater once you get to that level [Premier League], no question about that. You still have to get results. He's done that right from the lower level of the National League, so it's continued and he's been very, very good.
"You're at a different level now so it's going to be more difficult, but I wouldn't bet against him to succeed. I really wouldn't, because I've seen how he operates. He knows what he wants and he's a very unbelievably special man for Wrexham football club."
Parkinson's record at the club underlines Thomas' confidence. Since his appointment, he has managed 251 games, winning 147, drawing 60 and losing just 44, with an impressive win percentage of 58.6 per cent.
Last year, he also reached the landmark of 1,000 games as a manager in football. Wrexham are expected to strengthen their squad further during the January transfer window as attention now turns back to league action, with Norwich City visiting north Wales on Saturday.