Legendary Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling expressed outrage over the decision by the League Managers Association (LMA) not to include Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson in the prestigious 1,000 Club, which boasts esteemed members like Sir Alex Ferguson, Jose Mourinho, and Jurgen Klopp. Parkinson recently celebrated overseeing his 1,000th game as a manager during Wrexham’s victory over Peterborough United, marking a remarkable achievement in his career. Despite receiving well-wishes from notable figures such as Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson and Wrexham’s owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Parkinson’s milestone will not be officially recognised by the LMA.
The exclusion of Parkinson from the 1,000 Club is due to LMA rules that do not consider games managed in non-league football, leaving Parkinson approximately 100 matches shy of meeting the criteria for induction. This decision has been met with criticism from former footballers turned pundits, including Ally McCoist, who labelled the ruling as “ridiculous” during a segment on talkSPORT. Jeff Stelling, known for his passionate commentary on Soccer Saturday, also expressed disappointment over the LMA’s stance, highlighting Parkinson’s accomplishments across his managerial career spanning over two decades and seven clubs.
Parkinson’s tenure at Wrexham has been particularly noteworthy, with back-to-back promotions bringing the club to League One after starting in the National League. His success in guiding Wrexham to the National League title with a record-breaking points total exemplifies his managerial skill and dedication. However, the LMA’s criteria for the 1,000 Club specifically recognises games managed in top-tier professional leagues, omitting lower-tier competitions like the National League where Parkinson achieved significant milestones.
In response to the backlash, LMA Chief Executive Richard Bevan acknowledged Parkinson’s contributions to football and praised his achievements, noting previous accolades received by the manager. Bevan clarified that the LMA’s criteria have been established for many years, focusing on top professional leagues in England and abroad, which unfortunately excludes Parkinson’s managerial experience in non-league football. Despite this decision, Parkinson and his assistant Steve Parkin continue to be respected members of the LMA for their accomplishments at Wrexham and throughout their careers.
While Parkinson’s exclusion from the 1,000 Club may be disheartening to fans and supporters of Wrexham, his impact on the club and dedication to the sport remain undeniable. As discussions around recognition for managers in lower divisions continue, Parkinson’s legacy at Wrexham stands as a testament to his managerial prowess and the importance of acknowledging achievements at all levels of football. The passionate response from figures like Jeff Stelling and Ally McCoist reflects a broader sentiment within the football community that values and celebrates the contributions of managers across diverse footballing landscapes.