1 week Ago
GRAHAM Alexander’s unveiling as League Two manager of the season sealed a dramatic weekend for bosses with Bantam connections. Phil Parkinson was celebrating the sixth promotion of his career as Wrexham went back-to-back-to-back to make it into the Championship with a thumping win over Charlton. At the other end of the scale, Mark Hughes joined Derek Adams in slipping out of the EFL after Carlisle’s second consecutive relegation was confirmed with defeat at Cheltenham.
That means they will be joining Adams’ Morecambe in the National League in August. But it’s gone almost under the radar how well another one-time Bantams manager has been doing. Barring a couple of mathematical landslides, Burton will be playing League One football again next season.
Hopefully that will mean City once more looking horns with former boss Gary Bowyer, who has done a superb job since being appointed at the Pirelli Stadium. Burton were nine points from safety in second-from-bottom when Bowyer was appointed the week before Christmas. Since then, he has masterminded a recovery that has seen them pick up 34 points from 25 games.
A last-gasp win over Cambridge, which effectively sent their relegation rivals down in the process, was his ninth at the helm. Bowyer, who had an 11-month stint at Valley Parade up to February 2020, told the club website: “The togetherness of the group, the strength of character that they've all got was there to see.” Phil Parkinson kisses his medal after Wrexham clinch promotion (Image: PA) At the other end of the division, Parkinson is savouring the latest chapter in Wrexham’s rapid rise up the levels.
“Everyone has been talking about making history all season,” he said. “We knew right from the start what was at stake. “Getting over the line in football is hard and it’s just amazing.
These medals mean a lot and are worth a lot.” Meanwhile, Hughes would not be drawn on whether he will stay on with relegated Carlisle. The Welshman signed a rolling contract with the Cumbrians in February.
He said: “It’s going to be difficult for the club and everybody connected but the key is we bounce back very, very quickly. “It’s not the time to discuss my future ..
. but I am sure conversations will be taking place. “It’s been a really hard season for everyone connected with Carlisle United, not least the fans.
” Adams has already stated that he will be leading Morecambe on their return to non-league next season..
