Wrexham's first sporting director will be 'crucial'

Phil Parkinson believes new sporting director Steve Nickson will play a "crucial" role at Wrexham as they strive to reach the Premier League.

Nickson is the club's first sporting director and will work closely with manager Parkinson on a remit stretching from player recruitment and squad planning to football administration and performance.

The Hollywood-owned club say that his appointment "represents an important step in the continued development of Wrexham's football structure".

"I'm really pleased that Steve has joined us. He's a very experienced football operator," said Parkinson.

"He has a lot of experience at the top level of the game, and his network of knowledge is going to be really crucial to the club going forward."

"I've obviously met Steve quite a few times and had a lot of conversations with him. It's great to have him on board, and we're looking forward to working with him.

Nickson - who joins Wrexham after leaving his position as Newcastle United's head of recruitment - says his focus in the newly created role will be to help Wrexham earn promotion to the Premier League.

"I am very excited to be joining Wrexham AFC as sporting director," said Nickson, who will start working for Wrexham early this month.

"This is a club with incredible momentum, a unique culture and a clear ambition."

The former head of academy recruitment at Blackburn added: "There is already a strong foundation in place, and my focus will be on helping Wrexham take the next step by building the structure, talent pathways and football operations needed to support the club's ambition of reaching the Premier League."

Wrexham chief executive officer Michael Williamson said: "Recruitment, scouting, player development, performance and football operations are all critical areas as we look to build a club capable of competing sustainably at higher levels.

"Steve brings significant experience from the Premier League and wider football industry, and he understands what is required to identify and recruit talent in a highly competitive environment."