Phil Parkinson feelings on Billy Sharp may block potential Wrexham transfer
Wrexham have been linked with a surprise move to sign former Sheffield United forward Billy Sharp following his LA Galaxy exit, something that is unlikely to sit well with manager Phil Parkinson.
Sharp and Wrexham have an uncomfortable past following the Red Dragon's FA Cup tie against the Blades last season. The game saw Wrexham come out on the wrong end of a 3-1 defeat in the fourth round of the competition, partly in thanks to a late goal from Sharp that secured the win.
Following his goal, the forward made a gesture towards the Wrexham fans which resulted in a heated argument between the player and Parkinson. The incident made its way onto the club's 'Welcome to Wrexham' docuseries adding further fuel to the fire.
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After the incident, Sharp went on to explain his side of the story during an appearance on Fozcast - a podcast hosted by former Wrexham goalkeeper, Ben Foster.
“I went over to my mum, my dad, wife, kids, my friends, as I normally do," Sharp explained recalling the goal. "I blow my kids a kiss, getting coins, having a bit of banter. I do a little crying gesture to the Wrexham fans – which I could have done a lot worse. Parky [Phil Parkinson] comes running over – ‘What are you saying!’
"He is giving it loads because I’m having a bit of banter and his team has just got knocked out, I’m happy we’ve gone through and spoiled the underdog story. I’ve had a bit of beef with Parky before. No grudge.
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 07: Phil Parkinson, manager of Wrexham, argues with Billy Sharp of Sheffield United for taunting the Wrexham supporters after the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round Replay match between Sheffield United and Wrexham at Bramall Lane on February 07, 2023 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images) (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)"There was no need for him to get involved after the game. He was trying to look out for his fans. Then Paul Mullin came across, that was fine and had a bit of banter with him. [Ben] Tozer was giving it all game. Not just me, most of the players.”
Despite suggesting that he holds no grudge over the incident, Sharp previously admitted via The Athletic: "I don’t really like their manager anyway from past experiences, and he probably doesn’t like me."
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson responded to Sharp's antics at the time by telling reporters: "I was a bit disappointed with Billy to be honest - shouting down the tunnel. I think he was disrespectful. The message to Billy is: ‘You’re better than that. Our players are humble people.’"
In a surprising twist, Sharp has seemingly cooled his feelings towards the team. Speaking on William Hill's 'No Tippy Tappy Football' podcast, the former Blades forward said: "Wrexham are doing really well, fair play to them. I don't hold grudges. If that were one of my better options, why not."
Sharp is currently a free agent following a year-long spell in MLS with LA Galaxy. The 37-year-old striker registered six goals and one assist in 12 games but failed to earn a contract extension.
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