Phil Parkinson avoids a total Chester rebuild as he opens up on transfer plans
Blues boss sits down to speak with The Seal after a week in the job
The first week in a new job can often be about settling in, getting to grips with the role and getting a feel for the place.
For Phil Parkinson, one week into his job as Chester first team manager, he’s already full steam ahead with his assistant Neil Sorvel. On a whiteboard in his office in the bowels of the Deva Stadium is the schedule for what the summer looks like, who the pre-season opposition will be, and just the level of intensity for every single session up until the National League North season beginning on August 8.
Parkinson’s appointment as the next permanent boss of the Blues was confirmed a week ago, but his planning had long started ever since the club first engaged his services after it was announced that Calum McIntyre would be leaving at the end of the season back at the end of January, a decision that would be expedited to a February exit.
The former Nantwich Town and Altrincham boss had been without a club since leaving his post as Robins boss in October of last year after eight successful years in charge, where he led the club to promotions from the Northern Premier League and the National League North before establishing Alty in the top tier of Non-League football and overseeing their transition from part-time to full-time.
The 45-year-old has thrown himself into his new role. Early starts and late finishes, Parkinson is aiming to lead from the front when it comes to preparing Chester for a new season, one where the expectation for them to be well among the promotion-chasing pack will be significant.
Speaking to The Seal, Parkinson said: “I’ve really enjoyed it, and I’m not just saying that for the sake of it.
