PHIL PARKINSON wants to stay on as Wrexham manager next season after the Reds experienced more play-off heartbreak.

The promotion dream came to an end on Saturday as Wrexham suffered a 5-4 defeat against Grimsby Town in an epic National League play-off semi-final at The Racecourse.

There was never more than one goal separating the sides and after finishing 4-4 at the end of 90 minutes, the game went to extra-time where former Wrexham defender Luke Waterfall scored a 119th minute winner to secure Grimsby’s place in next Sunday’s final.

After taking the title-race down to the final game of the season, eventually finishing runners-up to champions Stockport County, defeat in the knock-out match means the Reds are now planning for a 15th campaign in non-league.

Parkinson was appointed Reds boss last July on a 12-month rolling contract, becoming manager ahead of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s first full campaign since becoming owners in February 2021, and he also led the club to the FA Trophy final where they lost 1-0 to Bromley at Wembley.

When asked whether he was up for the challenge at The Racecourse next season, Parkinson replied: “Absolutely, 100 per cent.

“I haven’t spoken to the owners. They are winners, they want to win.

“They have been brilliant supportive-wise, not just helping us build the squad but the way they are around the ground, the players and the staff has been outstanding.”

Wrexham, who have now suffered defeat on six occasions in the play-offs, will aim to go one better next season in a bid to end the Football League exile.

“Of course, that will be the aim,” added former Bradford and Bolton boss Parkinson.

“When the time comes, we need to take stock of the situation and be ready to go again.”