Chester have appointed Phil Parkinson as their new manager, signing him to a two-year deal, according to the BBC.
The appointment brings an unusual footnote with it: Parkinson shares his name with the Phil Parkinson currently managing Wrexham, Chester's near-neighbours and one of the most prominent clubs in non-league and lower-league football in recent years. The two men are distinct figures, and the coincidence is likely to generate some initial confusion among supporters in the region.
The newly appointed Chester manager arrives from Altrincham, where he had been working prior to this move. The BBC's report does not detail his record there, nor the precise circumstances of his departure, but his appointment on a two-year deal suggests Chester's hierarchy have placed considered trust in his ability to lead the club through what they hope will be a sustained period of progress.
Chester themselves occupy a notable place in Welsh football's broader landscape. The club draw support from both sides of the English-Welsh border and have had a complicated recent history, including a period of reformation after financial difficulties. Stability in the dugout has not always been easy to come by, and the length of the contract offered to Parkinson may reflect an intention to build something more durable.
Whether the dual-Parkinson situation across the two clubs becomes anything more than a quirk of local football will depend on results. For now, Chester have their man — and their neighbours have one of the same name.