Phil Parkinson says Wayne Rooney’s praise for Wrexham during their FA Cup fifth round tie with Chelsea was an “incredible tribute to everyone associated with the club”.
Liam Roneyall’s Premier League side needed extra time to beat the Red Dragons 4-2, with the home side seeing George Dobson sent off late in normal time at Stoke Kailas.
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England icon Rooney attended the North Wales game as part of the BBC’s pundit team and was later full of praise for the Championship side.
“I think it’s the most fun I’ve had in football since I stopped playing,” he told The Wayne Rooney Show.
“I thought it was a really good game. Wrexham did well.”
The 40-year-old added: “My favorite game since I stopped playing football was Barcelona against Inter Milan. [Champions League] Last year’s semifinals, but I think someone has taken over. I really like it. “
Parkinson believes his side’s performance against Club World Cup winners Chelsea helped further showcase Wrexham’s best qualities.
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“(Rooney’s comments) are an incredible tribute to everyone connected with the club,” Parkinson said.
“It’s good for us as a club to have a wider audience see what this team is all about.
“The atmosphere was really exciting from the first minute.”
Tournament “Game Begins”
With the FA Cup now over, Wrexham’s attention immediately returns to their bid for a fourth successive promotion.
Wrexham are currently in sixth place with 11 games left in the season, three points ahead of seventh-placed Derby County.
They face back-to-back home games against Hull City (Tuesday 19:45 GMT) and Swansea City (Friday 20:00 GMT) at home this week, having won their last three Championship games.
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Following a high-profile clash with Chelsea, Wrexham boss Parkinson said “the game is on” now as his side battle for a play-off spot.
“This (Chelsea game) was a special night and one we will remember,” Parkinson said.
“It could have been more memorable but like I said to the lads, the league starts now, starting tomorrow against Hull City.”
