When the stakes are highest, Phil Parkinson remains the calmest man in the room. As Wrexham prepares for a Championship showdown against Middlesbrough, the manager's unflappable mindset is once again key.
With a fourth consecutive promotion on the line, Parkinson's approach is simple: keep things normal. Former captain Ben Tozer says, "He'll keep the message exactly the same. He will literally keep everything running as normal." Current midfielder Ollie Rathbone echoes the sentiment: "He's very consistent. He doesn't get too high or too low."
Wrexham sits sixth in the Championship, one point ahead of Derby County and with a goal difference barely superior to Hull City. Parkinson has assigned a coach to monitor rivals' matches, but players are told to focus only on their own performance.
This formula has worked before. From gut-wrenching playoff defeats to Hollywood-fueled resurgence, Parkinson's steady hand has guided Wrexham through countless pressure-cooker moments. Now, as another decisive fixture looms, the message remains unchanged: trust the process.