Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson praised his team’s “extraordinary” FA Cup upset against Premier League’s Nottingham Forest, expressing his excitement that the club’s celebrity owner, Ryan Reynolds, was present to witness the historic moment.
Wrexham triumphed 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a thrilling match that ended 3-3, with Wrexham leading 2-0 and 3-1 at different points in the game.
“I spoke with Ryan before the match, and it was fantastic to have him here with his family,” Parkinson remarked in a press conference about the “Deadpool” star. “It was special to have Ryan’s mother join us for the first time as well, and I hope they all enjoyed the evening. I can imagine they’ll be celebrating with a few glasses of wine on their flight home tonight.”
Friday’s victory against last year’s FA Cup semifinalists marks another remarkable achievement in Wrexham’s story since being acquired by Reynolds and fellow actor Rob McElhenney in 2021.
The duo has overseen Wrexham’s rapid rise, including three consecutive promotions. Currently, the club is positioned ninth in the Championship, and Friday’s win marked their fifth consecutive victory across all competitions.
Wrexham has a history of pulling off FA Cup upsets, having previously defeated teams like Arsenal, Newcastle United, and West Ham United, but this was their first victory over a Premier League team in 26 years.
“I always want us to perform well on these big occasions, and I felt we did just that,” Parkinson said to ESPN. “We were unfortunate not to clinch it in regular time, which understandably took the wind out of our sails.” He added, “When we entered extra time, there was a sense of acceptance in both the stands and the team, and we really had to dig deep to lift ourselves again. The lads showed immense character, especially after the busy Christmas schedule, going into extra time against a Premier League side like Nottingham Forest.”
Liberato Cacace and Oliver Rathbone netted two goals within three minutes in the first half, giving Wrexham a 2-0 advantage at STōK Cae Ras.
Igor Jesus responded for Forest, but Dominic Hyam quickly extended Wrexham’s lead. A late equalizer from Forest’s substitute, Callum Hudson-Odoi, forced the game into extra time, with his second goal coming in the 89th minute. However, Wrexham’s goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo emerged as the hero in the shootout, making crucial saves from Jesus and Omari Hutchinson.
“The manager reminded us of the club’s history and our ability to triumph over teams that are much stronger on paper,” an ecstatic Okonkwo shared. “Winning this game was incredible. We just need to cherish this moment.”
The FA Cup began in August, featuring 446 teams aspiring to reach the prestigious final at Wembley Stadium. However, only clubs from the top two tiers enter at this third-round stage.
Information from PA and The Associated Press contributed to this report.