Phil Parkinson: Wrexham can follow Luton’s path to Premier League says Wrexham boss

Manager Phil Parkinson sees no reason why Wrexham cannot follow Luton’s path from National League to Premier League.

Luton have risen from non-league to top flight in nine years, while Wrexham return to the EFL this season after a 15-year absence.

Co-chairman Rob McElhenney said in 2021 Wrexham’s “big dream” would be to reach the Premier League.

“I think that when you look at teams like Luton who go up, you’ve got to say why not?” said Parkinson.

“You have [a chance] because Luton were in this position, so I don’t think it’s a case of us getting carried away with it as ourselves.”

Wrexham have become one of the most talked about teams in world football since being taken over by McElhenney and fellow Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds two years ago.

Their ‘Welcome To Wrexham’ documentary series has captured the imagination of many, raising the profile of a club that is currently touring the United States, including games against Chelsea and Manchester United.

And Parkinson does not consider hopes of playing those sides in domestic competition one day as unrealistic.

“I think if you understand that you need to build a club properly, put the foundations in place like a Luton Town have done, then why can’t Wrexham emulate them one day?,” said the manager who led Wrexham to the National League title last season.

“It really isn’t a case of us getting carried away with ourselves.

“You know, Bournemouth years ago under Eddie Howe were on the brink of going out of business and have gone in the Premiership.

“Blackpool have been in the Premiership. There’s lots of examples, so, yeah, why not Wrexham?

“But of course at the moment we’re concentrating on the start of this season.”