Phil Parkinson has been appointed as Chester FC's new First Team Manager

Chester Football Club has confirmed the appointment of Phil Parkinson as the club’s new First Team Manager.

The 45-year-old joins the Blues on a two-year-deal alongside long-term Assistant Manager Neil Sorvel, who worked with Parkinson at both Nantwich Town and Altrincham.

Phil arrives at the Deva Stadium with pedigree at this level after a lengthy stint at Altrincham, where he earned widespread recognition for his leadership, tactical approach, and ability to build promotion-winning squads.

His managerial career began with Nantwich Town in February 2015. Parkinson led the Dabbers from being relegation-threatened to promotion-challengers in the NPL Premier Division, whilst also reaching the FA Trophy semi-finals in 2016.

Our new man made the switch to Altrincham in the summer of 2017 following the club’s relegation to the seventh tier. He picked up the NPL Premier Division title at the first attempt, earning a total of 95 points, before two successive fifth-placed National League North finishes culminated in play-off success in 2020.

The Robins then consolidated in the National League with three successive mid-table berths, before a stunning fourth-placed finish in the 2023/24 campaign, the club’s highest league position since 1995.

He departed Altrincham in October 2025 and was appointed Interim Manager of Fleetwood Town’s U21 side in February, continuing to enhance his skills of developing young talent.

After the appointment was confirmed, CFU Chair Nick Phillipson said: 

“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.”

After his move to Chester FC was sealed, Phil 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.”

Pictured - Phil Parkinson.