Sports
Wrexham’s Phil Parkinson Wins Manager of the Month for March

WREXHAM, Wales — Wrexham AFC has surged into second place in the League One table, propelled by a stellar March that culminated in Phil Parkinson being named Manager of the Month. With a record of six wins out of eight matches during the month, Wrexham is on track for its third consecutive promotion to the Championship.
After encountering a challenging start to the New Year, the Red Dragons have rekindled their winning form, amassing 89 points this season. Their impressive run includes notable victories over fellow promotion contenders, solidifying their position in the league standings.
Parkinson’s leadership has proven vital as he has guided the team through a tough schedule, securing 16 points against five promotion rivals. The panel from Sky Sports praised Parkinson for fostering a squad equipped to clinch promotion, stating, “He drew on that mentality to emerge from a set of difficult-looking fixtures.”
Parkinson was in contention for the award alongside Darren Ferguson of Peterborough, who helped his team accumulate 11 points while steering clear of the relegation zone, and Noel Hunt from Reading, who led his squad to 12 points amid financial strife.
Another highlight for Wrexham was the nomination of goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo for the Player of the Month award. Okonkwo has been crucial for the team, showcasing remarkable agility and skill with several key saves, particularly against strong opponents like Bolton and Rotherham.
Sky’s judging panel praised Okonkwo’s contributions, noting his six clean sheets in seven games this season, making him a vital cog in Wrexham’s promotion push. He faces competition from Ashley Fletcher (Blackpool), Macaulay Gillesphey (Charlton), and Jovon Makama (Lincoln City).
Wrexham’s performance in March included a significant victory over Wycombe. The win allowed them to take control of the promotion battle, leaving them in an advantageous position as they approach the end of the season with a three-point cushion over their rivals.
In receiving the Manager of the Month award, Parkinson expressed his appreciation, saying, “I’m delighted to get the award. It was a good effort through the month of March by all the staff and players and it has set us up nicely for the run-in.”
As Wrexham continues its quest for successive promotions, their goal remains clear: to secure a spot in the Championship. Danny Wilson, chair of the judging panel, remarked on Parkinson’s achievements: “Wrexham continued on their quest for back-to-back promotions with a 16-point return in March.”
Parkinson’s tactical prowess has earned him respect in the Football League, with pundits noting his ability to build a resilient team capable of overcoming challenges. The pressure intensifies as the season approaches its conclusion, with fans eager to see if the Hollywood fairytale will continue for Wrexham in the Championship.