Wrexham are reportedly looking at potential replacements for manager Phil Parkinson following a tough start to their Championship season, with Steven Gerrard, Rob Edwards, Steve Cooper and Carlos Corberán all under consideration.
According to a report from talkSPORT, senior figures at the club have discussed possible alternatives in case the team’s form fails to pick up. Those involved in the talks reportedly include sporting director Steve Nickson, chief executive Michael Williamson and director Shaun Harvey. The report also claims that Gerrard would be interested in taking the role if a vacancy opens up.
Despite these internal discussions, Parkinson remains in his post and the club has made no public statement regarding his future. There is nothing to suggest that Wrexham have decided to sack their manager or that they have formally approached any of the four candidates. Instead, the talks indicate that the club’s hierarchy is simply preparing contingency plans should results continue to slide.
The scrutiny on Parkinson comes on the back of consecutive league losses. Wrexham suffered a 2 to 0 defeat away at Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on 24 October, followed six days later by a 1 to 0 loss to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. Those setbacks left the club on 14 points after 13 Championship games, with a record of three wins, five draws and five defeats. At the time of the talkSPORT report, Wrexham sat 18th in the table, five points clear of the relegation zone and eight points adrift of the play-off places.
Any scrutiny of Parkinson’s role carries extra weight given his record at the club since his appointment in 2021. He has been a central figure in Wrexham’s rise under co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, leading the team from the National League to the Championship through three straight promotions.
Earlier this year, the ownership publicly expressed firm support for their manager. In an interview with The Athletic, McElhenney called Parkinson the architect of Wrexham’s success and said: “From our perspective, he’s got the job for life.”
For now, Parkinson is focused on Wednesday’s home fixture against Championship leaders Middlesbrough. Speaking in pre-match comments published by Wrexham AFC, the manager noted that his players had analysed their first-half display against Sheffield United and needed to bounce back. “We sat down with the team and went through the first half, and what we needed to do better. I think it was a meeting which needed to take place, but that’s normal, and we move on to a home game tomorrow night.,” Parkinson said.
