Wrexham journey looks so good Boyzone want Chorley to follow us – Phil Parkinson

Manager Phil Parkinson believes Wrexham’s Hollywood-propelled journey has laid an attractive path that the likes of non-League Chorley can follow with pop group Boyzone.

Vanarama National League North outfit Chorley have said they want to replicate the success of Wrexham after entering into negotiations for Boyzone to become the new face of their club.

Wrexham returned to the English Football League after a 15-year absence in 2023, fuelled by the investment and publicity that followed their high-profile takeover by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

They are now challenging for promotion from Sky Bet League Two and Parkinson, who coincidentally was born in Chorley, believes the Red Dragons have changed perceptions of the divisions below the elite.

Parkinson told the PA news agency: “Buying a football club can be an exciting adventure for owners.

“Obviously, it’s important owners get the right people in place to make sure that the money is spent wisely but, of course, there’s been some success stories like, I think, Rob and Ryan and we’re only really at the start of it.

“I think what Wrexham and Notts County did last year put the National League on the map like it had never been before in the incredible battle we had for the title.

“I think it’s really good for the sport and also shows that buying a football club is not all about buying one at the top end, ready-made.

“The journey can be buying a club which needs piecing back together brick by brick, and that’s what our owners have done.

“Rob and Ryan have really bought into the culture of the game over here. I think it’s been refreshing for them and they’ve really enjoyed the experience so far.

“Other people have probably looked at that and thought, yes, we can do