Chester

Chester turn to Phil Parkinson after National League North play-off exit

Newly appointed Chester manager Phil Parkinson says he will have to bring his “A-game” after taking charge on a two-year deal.

by
Harry Whitfield
5 May 2026

Phil Parkinson has left Altrincham after eight years in charge

Newly appointed Chester manager Phil Parkinson says he will have to bring his “A-game” after taking charge on a two-year deal.

The 45-year-old joins the Blues alongside long-term assistant Neil Sorvel, who worked with Parkinson at both Nantwich Town and Altrincham.

Parkinson arrives at the Deva Stadium after an eight-year stint with the Robins, where he led the club from the Northern Premier League into the National League, quickly establishing them as a competitive force.

However, they sacked him after a poor start to the season back in October, and he has since remained away from full-time management.

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Exciting prospect

He said: “I’m delighted to be here. It feels like the perfect fit for me right now.

“It’s an exciting prospect. Supporters can expect a real modern-day approach to football.

“We have a set way of going about things, an identity that we won’t deviate from.

“We’re going to have to bring our A-game, and if we do, which we will, we’ll get this right and give everybody something to be really excited about come the summer.”

Parkinson, who was appointed interim manager of Fleetwood Town’s U21 side in February, takes over from the interim management team of Connell Rawlinson, Colin Woodthorpe and Neil Ebbrell.

The trio led Chester to a strong finish, winning five of their final six games, but fell at the first hurdle in the play-offs with a dramatic last-minute 2-1 defeat at Macclesfield in the National League North eliminators.

Rawlinson and his staff stepped in following the departure of former boss Calum McIntyre.

After reaching the play-off final last season, the Seals endured a poor start to this campaign, with McIntyre leaving the club in February ahead of the originally planned end-of-season departure.

Preferred choice

On the arrival of Parkinson, CFU chair Nick Phillipson added: “Today we open a new and exciting chapter in the recent history of Chester FC with the appointment of Phil Parkinson as first team manager, with Neil Sorvel as his assistant.

“Phil was our preferred choice from the start. He brings a wealth of experience from his time resurrecting and consolidating Altrincham back into the National League.

“He developed their academy and produced a pathway for players to further their careers and brought both value and financial benefits to their club.

“This aligns with our values and thinking as a fan-owned club.

“The board are confident that Phil will be able to bring us the success we all want: promotion back to the National League.

“We are in this together. All of us will have an important role this season in supporting Phil and the club to achieve this upward progress.

“Welcome, Phil and Neil – we all look forward to working with you.”