Two players join Wrexham followed by a derby win against Tranmere
The Reds’ manager was busy on transfer deadline day, bringing in midfielder George Evans from Millwall and signing Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo on a season-long loan.
Armstrong appeared to have transferred from Harrogate Town for an undisclosed fee before the window closed at 11 p.m. on Friday, but Wrexham said in a statement: “Unfortunately, the required documentation and clearance requests could not be completed in time, and his registration has been rejected.”
When asked for his reaction to the events on transfer deadline day, Parkinson said: “Mixed.
“We brought Arthur in because we needed another goalkeeper; that is simply because we don’t know where Rob Lainton is with his injury, and we needed to make sure we have got enough until January.
“George is a class player, he has played most of his career at Championship level.
“He is a really good footballer and gives us quality in that midfield, and we felt we couldn’t turn down the opportunity to bring him to the football club.
“But obviously the Luke Armstrong situation is frustrating because a lot of work has gone into identifying Luke and getting him to the club.
“But for whatever reason, that didn’t get over the line and we are disappointed but in football you have disappointments and you can’t feel sorry for yourself because no-one else does.”
Wrexham responded by beating Tranmere Rovers 1-0 with the Reds dominating from start to finish and clinching a deserved victory through Aaron Hayden’s second half goal.
“You have got to pick yourself up as a group and the lads have responded brilliantly against Tranmere,” added Parkinson.
Harrogate boss Simon Weaver hopes Armstrong’s collapsed move still goes through.
Weaver, who brought in Josh March from Stevenage on Friday as a replacement for Armstrong, said: “I’m aware there might be an appeal from Wrexham. I’ve spoken to their manager, Phil Parkinson, and he’s disappointed, so hopefully everybody can end up winning from the situation.”
