Robbie Savage Hails Phil Parkinson as Wrexham's Secret Weapon in Championship Push
Robbie Savage has lavished praise on manager Phil Parkinson following Wrexham's progression into the FA Cup fifth round. Josh Windass netted the crucial goal that saw the Red Dragons triumph 1-0 over Ipswich Town at the Racecourse Ground on Friday evening.
The victory pushed the Welsh team into the competition's last 16 for the first time in nearly three decades. Since taking the reins at Wrexham in July 2021, Parkinson has achieved unprecedented success, guiding the club to three successive promotions from the National League to the Championship.
Parkinson's Unbelievable Job Defying Critics
His team have already ousted Premier League opposition on their FA Cup journey, having beaten Nottingham Forest in a penalty shootout in the previous round. In addition to vying for a play-off position in the league, Savage argues that their cup exploits highlight why Parkinson consistently defies his critics.
Speaking on TNT Sports, the ex-Wales midfielder said: "He's probably one of the most underestimated managers because every time Wrexham get promoted or face a Premier League side, people underestimate them."
"He has done an unbelievable job at this football club and is proving people wrong that he can do it against Premier League sides. He's done it for Bradford against Chelsea and he's doing it in the league."
"Every season they go up, it's, 'He can't do it in that league,' but he's proving everybody wrong. I think he's one of the best managers right now because of what he's achieving."
Savoring the Moment Amidst Championship Challenges
Parkinson revealed he was determined to savour the moment following his side's latest cup triumph, with a challenging fixture at Bristol City in the league looming on Tuesday night.
He said: "We spoke before the game about our chance to create a bit of history. We've done it and I'm so pleased because it was always going to be a tough game against a very good side."
"Every season in football is special, you've got to savour it and the FA Cup is part of that. It was important that we backed up the Nottingham Forest win with another win."
"This season, with the challenge of being in the Championship and now an FA Cup run, we want to enjoy it and we certainly did tonight."
Perfect Anniversary Gift for Hollywood Owners
Last week saw the fifth anniversary of Wrexham's acquisition by Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac. Parkinson believes the victory over Ipswich was the perfect way to commemorate the milestone.
He added: "I think it's great for our owners, Rob and Ryan, it was their fifth year anniversary and to get them into the fifth round is great for them as well."
"He's probably one of the most underestimated managers because every time Wrexham get promoted or have a Premier League side, people are underestimating them."
"We can really look forward to the draw on Monday night when we're in the hotel in Bristol. We'll savour that. But like we did last time, [it's the] back burner now for the FA Cup and concentrate on the league."
