Arthur Okonkwo on why staying at Wrexham was 'right move'

Leader Live

20-05-2025

The goalkeeper enjoyed a successful season-long loan spell at The Racecourse from Arsenal in 2023-24, helping the Reds finish runners-up in League Two to seal a second promotion in a row.
A free agent following his release by the Gunners, there was interest in Okonkwo last summer from a number of clubs but Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson persuaded the 23-year-old to extend his stay in north Wales.
Okonkwo put pen to paper on a three-year deal after ambitious Parkinson explained how he wanted the success story to continue in League One and the stopper played his part in Wrexham clinching second spot behind big-spending champions Birmingham City to secure an historic third successive promotion.
"It was definitely the right move and I'm extremely happy," he said.
"When I spoke to the gaffer last summer before I joined, straight away I knew that this was the right move.
"The manager had a plan, he said he wanted to go and do it again, and I signed.
"I have belief in the manager and the decisions he's made and the players he brought in.
"As much as it's a surprise to people, it's not the biggest surprise for me.
"I knew that we were going to compete this season. I said from the beginning that I had high hopes for us getting promotion.
"I never had any doubt and there is so much relief and one of the best feelings knowing that we've done it."
Wrexham clinched automatic promotion following a 3-0 victory at home to Charlton Athletic.
Nearest rivals Wycombe Wanderers suffered a 1-0 defeat at Leyton Orient in the early kick-off and the Reds knew they would finish the job off with a game to go if they beat the Addicks, and the players delivered.
Ollie Rathbone and Sam Smith put Wrexham 2-0 up after only 18 minutes and the latter completed the scoring in the second half, sparking jubilant scenes of celebration at The Racecourse with a place in the Championship guaranteed.
"It was unreal. a really emotional day," said Okonkwo, who played a key role in the top-two finish by keeping 19 clean sheets in 33 league outings this term.
"We've been working so hard towards that goal for the whole season and to finally achieve it is an unreal moment.
"We had that pressure before the game against Charlton but we're a good set of lads who can handle that pressure and it showed.
"It was never in any doubt. We knew what had to be done and I'm so proud of the boys and everyone that's worked towards this together."
Wrexham are back in the second tier for the first time in 43 years but for now, Okonkwo is just going to bask in the glory of being a promotion winner once again.
"Now it's just working towards next season," he added.
"We're going to have to change a lot of things and improve but for now, I am just going to enjoy it and soak it all in, and focus on next season when it's there."