Football fans, you won’t want to miss this throwback! Wrexham’s current manager, Phil Parkinson, once famously snubbed a handshake from none other than Jose Mourinho during a legendary FA Cup match. Back in January 2015, when Parkinson was leading Bradford City, his team pulled off an unforgettable comeback against Chelsea, turning a 2-0 deficit into a stunning 4-2 victory at Stamford Bridge.
The tension rose when Mourinho approached the Bradford dugout to offer a preemptive handshake. Parkinson, focused on not jinxing the result, decided to keep his cool and declined until the final whistle blew. But in true classy fashion, Mourinho later visited Bradford’s dressing room to commend the underdogs on their incredible achievement.
Parkinson recently reflected on that iconic match, revealing how his team’s spirit and drive overpowered Chelsea’s star-studded line-up. He described how even with Chelsea leading comfortably, his team’s determination shone through, creating a magical moment in FA Cup history.
Now thriving at Wrexham, Parkinson has guided the club, co-owned by Hollywood’s Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, to impressive heights with three successive promotions. It’s a remarkable journey for both the manager and the club, showcasing Parkinson’s ability to galvanise and inspire.
This story reminds us of football’s unpredictability and the magic moments that make the sport so special. Who knows what memorable encounters Wrexham will have next under Parkinson’s leadership? ⚽️✨