Phil Parkinson said Steve Nickson has settled in well after being appointed Wrexham's inaugural sporting director. Sports Illustrated reported that Nickson has been tasked with building and leading Wrexham's scouting and player recruitment operations.
Parkinson on working with Nickson
Asked about his relationship with Nickson, Parkinson told Sports Illustrated: "Yeah, good. I mean, the very early stages for Steve. Obviously, an area where we’ve obviously fallen behind with the speed of our progress on the recruitment, both at home but more internationally, really. Having that knowledge of players which Steve brings with him, and a kind of ready-made knowledge and a network with him into the club, but obviously the benefits of that will be seen over a longer period of time. Steve’s settled in well at the club and we're enjoying working with him."
Summer search and remit
According to Sports Illustrated, Wrexham interviewed several candidates for the sporting director role during the summer. Sports Illustrated reported that Wrexham identified Nickson as the standout candidate for the newly created role.
Markets Wrexham want to explore
Sports Illustrated reported that Wrexham want to explore untapped global markets and sign high-potential players who can either make an immediate impact on the first team. Sports Illustrated reported that Wrexham have already identified Eastern and Northern Europe, South America and Central America as markets they want to explore.
Sports Illustrated reported that Wrexham have signed only two players from European clubs during the Hollywood era, with Liberato Cacace arriving from Empoli last year and Jacques Ekomié joining from Angers this past summer.
Williamson's view
Williamson told The Athletic: "Bringing in a sporting director and building out a scouting department is the right thing for the football club. Not just for now, but the next 10, 15, 20 years. Again, building something better."