Speaking before his 1,000th game as manager, Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson acknowledged it was a momentous day in a career which began 22 years ago.
But it would be a day he would only truly enjoy if Wrexham, the seventh club the 57-year-old has managed, secured three points.
“Today’s a great milestone,” he told BBC Radio Wales’ Rob Philips prior to his side’s League One game against Peterborough United.
“But I’ll only enjoy the day if we get the result and put in a performance.”
Wrexham did not let down their manager – although they did leave it late to secure a win that maintains their promotion charge.
Steven Fletcher’s goal three minutes from time secured a 1-0 victory over Peterborough – a performance that has typified Wrexham during Parkinson’s four-year reign.
For Parkinson himself, thoughts turned to the very first game of his managerial career – as Colchester United boss – in March 2003 and those that had been with him from the start.
“It was great to share today with my family,” Parkinson said.
“I had my parents here, my uncle and auntie, my wife and my kids.
“That’s important because my first ever game my wife, my dad and George my eldest lad were at that game.”
Parkinson says their support has been unwavering and key in his success.
“Twenty plus years later they’re still here supporting,” he added.
“You need a great family behind you as a manager and a good wife who understands the demands of the job and I’ve certainly got that.
“Obviously I’m immensely proud of getting to 1,000 games.
“There’s a lot of people to thank as well to get to this milestone. You need good people with you to still be around and get to 1,000 games.”
Parkinson joins the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, Jurgen Klopp and Jose Mourinho who have reached the milestone of 1,000 games.
Sir Alex was at Saturday’s game at the Stok Racecourse, with his son Darren – a former Wrexham captain – in charge of Peterborough.
“The best in my opinion,” Parkinson said of the former Manchester United boss.
“All managers admired him and the way he kept evolving as a manager and kept changing the squad around and making big decisions at the right time.
“An amazing career.”
Parkinson himself has forged an impressive managerial career in which he has achieved five promotions – two with Wrexham.
Wrexham remain very much in the hunt for a third successive promotion and are third in League One following their late win over Peterborough.
