Wrexham boss Parkinson joins Ferguson in 1000 club
More than two decades on from his first game in management, Phil Parkinson is poised to take to the dugout for the 1,000th time this weekend.
The 57-year-old has taken charge of 999 matches during his managerial career to date - the first of which saw his Colchester United side beat Port Vale 4-1 at Layer Road on 1 March, 2003.
Wrexham's League One contest with Peterborough United on Saturday (15:00 GMT) will see Parkinson join the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, Jurgen Klopp and Jose Mourinho in reaching the four figure landmark.
But Parkinson believes his very first job as a manager played a key role in kick-starting what has been a trophy-laden career on the sidelines.
"I can remember my first game like it was yesterday and every game you go into, you want to win as much as your first one," said Parkinson.
"I took my first job, Colchester United which was a team down the lower reaches of League One. Being successful in your first job, it gives you a great chance.
"Of course, I've had great support from my family and a lot of great people I've worked with.
"To still be in the game all these years later, I'm very proud of that."
Now managing a seventh different club in his career, Parkinson is targeting more history.
Parkinson has led Wrexham to promotion from the National League and League Two while the Red Dragons are well placed to challenge for an unprecedented third successive promotion this season in League One.
"We're going to give it everything. There's a desire amongst everybody at the club to give it everything to try and achieve that," he added.
"It won't be a lack of professionalism, detail in our preparation or lack of effort on the pitch.
"We're gong to give it everything, let's see where it takes us."
His remarkable success in north Wales so far represents the best period of his managerial career - with Parkinson's win percentage standing at 61.5% from his 195 games in charge.
His overall career record is also highly impressive, with 417 wins - at a rate of 41.7% - 274 draws and 308 defeats in total going into Saturday's fixture at the Stok Racecourse.
Prior to his 196th game as Wrexham boss, Parkinson still has some way to go to reach the 274 he oversaw with Bradford City - who he led to promotion in 2013 in addition to reaching a League Cup final.
Those achievements were sandwiched by promotions at Colchester and Bolton Wanderers, although Parkinson was bold to drop down to non-league when Wrexham came calling in the summer of 2021.
And while he has enjoyed the ride under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney so far, Parkinson believes the future remains bright for Wrexham who are continuing to move "in the right direction".
"The journey and the story has been incredible. To be part of this and just seeing the transformation of the club and the area as well, that's unique," added Parkinson, who also had spells with Hull City, Charlton Athletic and Sunderland.
"Everything is still moving forward in the right direction.
"I've really enjoyed it. It was a big challenge when I came in because I'd never manged in the National League before.
"You've got to learn the levels, it takes time. But I've enjoyed it every single day I come into work."
