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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.
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.
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.
“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.
“Steve, it’s a big day for him. The anniversary of his dad sadly dying, a year ago today.
“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.”
Matty James hailed the impact of Parkin at the club.
“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.
“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.”
