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Wrexham hope to give assistant manager Steve Parkin the perfect birthday present by earning three points against Charlton Athletic this weekend.<\/p>\n
Phil Parkinson’s long-time assistant turned 60 on 7 November, although this year’s birthday was poignant given the fact it was exactly 12 months on from the passing of Parkin’s father.<\/p>\n
On the eve of Wrexham’s Championship contest with the Addicks at the Stok Cae Ras on Saturday (15:00 GMT), players and staff welcomed Parkin to the club’s training ground before singing a rendition of Happy Birthday.<\/p>\n
“All of the staff got in early and gave him a welcome when he arrived at half-seven this morning,” Parkinson told BBC Sport Wales.<\/p>\n
“Steve, it’s a big day for him. The anniversary of his dad sadly dying, a year ago today.<\/p>\n
“It means a lot to him today and, as he said to the lads, what will mean more than anything is getting the points tomorrow.”<\/p>\n
Matty James hailed the impact of Parkin at the club.<\/p>\n
“Steve’s a fantastic guy, he probably doesn’t feel 60 years old, he certainly doesn’t act it,” the midfielder told BBC Sport Wales.<\/p>\n
“For us as a group, everyone was wishing him a happy birthday. Hopefully we can go out there tomorrow and get the three points for him.”<\/p>\n