Nickson has joined the Reds from Premier League club Newcastle United where he spent the past 15 years, first as Head of Youth Recruitment and since 2017, as Head of Recruitment.

Before joining Newcastle, Nickson spent 12 years at Blackburn Rovers, ultimately as Head of Youth Recruitment,

In this newly created role at The Racecourse, the 52-year-old will report to CEO Michael Williamson and the board, while working closely alongside Parkinson, his coaching staff and the wider football leadership team.

Nickson has a wealth of scouting and recruitment experience, and Parkinson believes his arrival will help the club continue to develop an area that has had to evolve rapidly alongside Wrexham's rise through the divisions after securing a record-breaking three successive promotions.

"We're in the very early stages for Steve, obviously," said Parkinson about Nickson who only started in his new position with Wrexham in early-September.

"An area where we've obviously fallen behind with the speed of our progress is 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 the benefits of that will be seen over a longer period of time."

While the long-term impact remains to be seen, Parkinson says Nickson has already settled comfortably into his new surroundings.

"Steve's settled in well at the club and we're enjoying working with him," he said.

Nickson will have a key role to play when the winter transfer window opens and new signings are expected but Parkinson is happy with the squad he has at his disposal.

"I feel the squad's a good one, it's got more depth in it this year," he added.

"We've got more options and I'm very confident in this group of players."