Upsets in the FA Cup are a significant part of Wrexham’s narrative.
This weekend, as Chelsea gears up for the fifth round, they might be wary of manager Phil Parkinson, who has a knack for orchestrating shock victories.
Parkinson is notably the most recent manager of a lower-division team to eliminate the high-flying west London club.
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In 2015, Chelsea was dominating the Premier League en route to the title during Jose Mourinho’s second stint. With stars like Drogba, Hazard, and Fabregas, they were expected to easily dispatch third-tier Bradford City, especially after jumping to a 2-0 lead at Stamford Bridge.
“I remember looking at Mourinho at the start of the second half,” recalled Parkinson, now 58. “You could see in his eyes a sense of disbelief, as his team seemed to lose focus, and he struggled to rally them.”
As the match neared its conclusion and Bradford surged to a 3-2 lead, Mourinho attempted to extend his hand to Parkinson. Parkinson disregarded the gesture and witnessed his team net a fourth goal, marking the only defeat Chelsea experienced at home that season.
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“I was reflecting on that game this week—everything leading up to it, our preparations,” said Parkinson, who mentioned he’s been in touch with Jon Stead, one of Bradford’s goal scorers that day. “I don’t believe I’ve changed much as a manager; we stick to the same principles, focusing on what the team represents, much like in Bradford.”
“There were no expectations on us then, and the fighting spirit of the underdog is crucial when facing a team with Chelsea’s talent.”
Parkinson led Bradford to the quarter-finals of the 2014-2015 FA Cup, defeating Premier League leaders Chelsea 4-2 in the fourth round [Getty Images]
Since that match, Chelsea has faced 24 FA Cup opponents from lower divisions without suffering a similar indignity—an outcome Mourinho deemed disgraceful, yet he also honored Parkinson in the Bradford locker room post-match.
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Parkinson fondly recalls the surreal experience of being applauded by Chelsea’s fans.
While that FA Cup moment stands out, it’s not Parkinson’s only noteworthy achievement. At Wrexham, he has shattered promotion records as part of the club’s remarkable rise, currently pushing for a place in the Championship playoffs. He understands the significance of a cup run all too well.
During Wrexham’s campaign to end a 15-year absence from the league, they triumphed over Championship side Coventry in 2023 and defeated Nottingham Forest in this year’s third round via penalties.
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Prior to joining Wrexham, Parkinson guided his Bradford team to the 2013 League Cup final, overcoming clubs like Wigan, Arsenal, and Aston Villa along the way.
“Like many, I grew up watching the FA Cup and I feel a responsibility to honor the club I manage and its history,” he shared. “In the Wrexham area, supporters often reminisce about that historic Arsenal match featuring Mickey Thomas, especially when the FA Cup returns each season.”
“Before the Forest match, I emphasized to the players that this was a chance to create our own memorable moments. We have that opportunity now, so let’s seize it on Saturday evening.”
Arthur Okonkwo was pivotal as Wrexham upset Premier League Nottingham Forest in penalties during this year’s third round [Getty Images]
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Wrexham is certainly no longer the lower-tier team they were when they stunned Arsenal in 1992.
With only 20 divisions separating the teams as Wrexham strives for Premier League status, it’s noteworthy that they were still a non-league club just three years prior.
Parkinson, who witnessed the gap firsthand while watching Liam Rosenior’s side defeat Aston Villa midweek, knows the importance of discipline and organization, especially when they might spend significant portions of the game defending. Yet, above all, he emphasizes the necessity of belief.
“Without belief, we might as well not show up,” he said. “But we will be prepared and understand the key elements needed to make things as difficult as possible for Chelsea.
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“I see Saturday evening as a chance for our players to carve their names in history, just as Mickey Thomas did years ago or as those Bradford players did that day.”