Wrexham has handed its top civic honour to Wrexham AFC manager Phil Parkinson, naming him a Freeman of Wrexham County Borough in a short ceremony at the Guildhall.
Mayor Cllr Tina Mannering opened the proceedings and welcomed guests for the signing of the Freedom Book by Parkinson. She said the freedom was granted at Council last September, in recognition of his success at Wrexham AFC—an achievement the borough clearly wanted to mark properly, not just in passing.
The words from the Mayor landed like a set piece: “Fellow councillors, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,” she began, and then went straight into what she called the club’s transformation. According to the ceremony remarks, Phil Parkinson has achieved what was described as the unimaginable—back to back to back promotions in three consecutive years. Since a historic takeover in February 2021, Wrexham AFC has shifted from a struggling non-league side into what’s now framed as a global phenomenon. The numbers, the Mayor said, are staggering, and Parkinson is presented as central to steering the club through that shift.
Chief Executive Alwyn Jones read the formal proclamation as warm applause followed, spelling out the legal and civic language behind the honour. “We the Mayor and councillors of Wrexham County Borough Council… in pursuance of section 249 subsection five of the Local Government Act 1972,” it begins, before conferring “the Honorary Freedom of the County Borough of Wrexham upon Mr Phil Parkinson,” and listing the rights, privileges, honours and distinctions enjoyed by free men of the county borough.
Then Parkinson took the chamber and didn’t waste time with big theory—he went straight for something more personal. “Firstly, a big thank you to all this great honour,” he said, before talking about how he’s moved around a lot in football. His standout line was about welcome: “the warmth and honesty with which my family have been welcomed to Wrexham has been quite unique.” It felt like one of those moments where the room probably went quiet for a second. Even the kind of atmosphere you can almost hear—paper turning in the background, the soft shuffle of people adjusting in seats.
He linked that welcome to the club’s identity over the last three seasons, describing it as driven by “a strong team togetherness” and a culture shaped by supporters and the city. He also stressed humility when the team crosses the white line, saying the aim is that it’s understood they’re representing an area with “great pride, passion and most of all, humbleness.” He credited the success of the documentary series, Welcome to Wrexham, for putting local people in focus—he even said he’s “lost count” of how often visitors from overseas mention the special welcome they’ve received.
Parkinson added that he’s proud of what’s been built over the last five years on the pitch and behind the scenes, including “the new Kop” rising from the ground and investment in the women’s team, plus the academy. He also pointed toward the wider city story, saying he wanted to wish the Wrexham, UK city of Culture bid for 2029 good luck “another piece in the jigsaw of the growth of this city.” He finished by urging people to come down to the Racecourse—either as the club prepares to finish its first season in the Championship, or at one of the many community events supported by the Wrexham Foundation.
The Mayor responded with an argument that’s become pretty familiar lately in Wrexham: football matters, but now it does more than ever for local life. She said it contributes hugely to the local economy and community spirit, with a new wave of visitors “from across the globe” coming to watch a match, visit The Turf, or even just look at Cae Ras. And yes, she also talked up the match-day buzz and the Kop development—plus the season, with only a handful of matches left and a playoff place “within touching distance.”
Freeman of the County Borough, she said, is the highest honour the Council can bestow, and Parkinson is “certainly a worthy recipient.” Then she closed with the most straightforward kind of civic wish: “here’s to another win on Saturday!”
UCL quarter-final second legs: winners & matchups
Atlético Madrid vs Barcelona: Tie flips in chaotic Champions League night