PHIL PARKINSON enjoys welcoming Hollywood VIP's to The Racecourse because he knows his players won't be distracted from the task at hand.

Will Ferrell made a surprise appearance on Saturday and saw Wrexham maintain the National League title challenge by beating Wealdstone 3-1 in front of more than 10,000 supporters.

Before kick-off, American actor Ferrell enjoyed a pint in the Turf pub next to the stadium before watching the game.

Famous for his roles in Elf and Step Brothers, Ferrell is good friends with co-owner Ryan Reynolds and previously watched Wrexham's 1-0 defeat against Bromley in May's FA Trophy final at Wembley.

Parkinson and the players spoke with Ferrell before kick-off on Saturday and the Reds' boss was delighted to meet the comedian.

"He came in the office before the game and I had a good chat with him so that was great," said Parkinson.

"What an opportunity for all the lads to meet Will Ferrell.

"He had a couple of pints in the Turf before the game and I think he enjoyed that!

"He just wanted to sample the Wrexham atmosphere."

When asked whether he expects Ferrell to return to The Racecourse before the end of the season, Parkinson added: "I don't know, I didn't ask him that.

"I have only met him once, I didn't want to talk about his schedule going forward.

"But it is great when someone comes like that, they see a typical Wrexham atmosphere and performance."

Wrexham have hit the headlines since Reynolds and Rob McElhenney completed their high-profile of the club two years ago.

Parkinson says his players were never going to lose focus having Ferrell present and his side responded by winning 3-1 to stay second in the table, three points behind Notts County with two games in hand.

"I enjoy it and we always use things like that as a positive," said Parkinson.

"Obviously we have got to focus on what we have got to do once the referee blows his whistle.

"The lads have got a great desire in there, you can see that anyway. There was a focus about the group "