Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac should ignore speculation linking Steven Gerrard with the manager's job at the Racecourse, according to an opinion piece. Appointing the former Liverpool midfielder would be a major misstep, it argues, given his managerial career has stalled since leaving Rangers, with uninspiring spells at Aston Villa and in Saudi Arabia doing little to demonstrate the tactical acumen needed for the Championship.
Parkinson's record of promotion
Phil Parkinson has led Wrexham to three promotions, taking the club from the National League to the Championship. Despite recent setbacks, the piece describes calls for his dismissal as reactionary, noting that supporters chanted "There's only one Phil Parky" and that the dressing room remains firmly behind him.
Parkinson said of handling setbacks: "I've been a manager a long time and managed over 1,000 games. You kind of get rid of the disappointment quicker and the next thing is the challenge of the next game." He added that after a Tuesday defeat, he and assistant Steve Parkin spoke at 1am while driving home, and both could not wait to get back in and galvanise the group.
Scott Parker as the logical successor
Chief executive Michael Williamson and the owners have repeatedly backed Parkinson, recognising that occasional setbacks are natural in the competitive second tier. However, if Reynolds and Mac decide Wrexham have hit their ceiling under Parkinson, Scott Parker is presented as a more logical successor than Gerrard.
Parker holds a 100% record when leading campaigns in the Championship, securing automatic promotion to the Premier League in all three of his full seasons at the level with Fulham, Bournemouth and Burnley. While critics point to his mixed record in the top flight, the piece notes Wrexham's immediate objective is reaching the Premier League, not surviving in it.
For now, Parkinson has earned the trust to take the club forward. But if a change becomes necessary, the piece concludes the board must look past big-name glamour and choose a manager with a proven track record of getting the job done.
