Former Wales defender Danny Gabbidon doesn't think fans and ultimately the ownership need to panic over Phil Parkinson's and Wrexham's inconsistent start.
Wrexham AFC’s disappointing start to the Championship season has increased the pressure on Phil Parkinson, but there is no reason for the club to panic or make an immediate managerial change, that’s according to Former Wales defender Danny Gabbidon.
The debate surrounding Parkinson intensified after Wrexham’s heavy 6-0 defeat against West Ham United on Friday night. It was the club’s heaviest loss since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney completed their takeover, and a performance that understandably frustrated supporters.
Wrexham have won only one of their opening seven league matches, leaving them 16th in the Championship table. However, four of those games have ended in draws, suggesting their overall position is not as alarming as the West Ham result may make it appear.
Speaking on BBC Radio Wales, Gabbidon acknowledged the pressure Parkinson is under, but said the Wrexham boss deserves support.
"I think we should allow the manager a little bit of time after what he's done through previous seasons, how good he's been," said Gabbidon. "You could sense his disappointment, his frustration after the game and just maybe questioning the mentality and the work rate of his team at the minute.
"I'm sure he'll address that now in the next couple of weeks."
West Ham are also among the strongest teams in the division and leading contenders for promotion. That does not excuse Wrexham’s performance, particularly how they collapsed after conceding, but the defeat should be viewed in the context of facing a side with considerable Premier League quality.
Parkinson must identify why his team became so vulnerable and ensure it does not happen again. Questions have been raised about his team selection, substitutions and whether Wrexham’s established playing style can continue to deliver at an increasingly demanding level.
Dismissing a manager responsible for transforming the club’s fortunes because of one difficult period would represent a major shift from the patient, stable approach that has underpinned Wrexham’s progress since the Hollywood story began over 5 years ago.
The Championship is also a demanding and unpredictable division, arguably the hardest league in the world. Wrexham are competing against clubs with recent Premier League experience, huge budgets and squads filled with established internationals.
However, concern should not become panic. The season remains in its early stages, and Wrexham have enough time to recover their form and climb the table. While the playoffs remain a target, establishing themselves as a secure Championship side would be wise. Patience is needed for that, and so far the new ownership group has certainly shown they look to long-term growth rather than quick short-term ‘wins’
Saturday’s home match against Southampton now offers an important opportunity to respond. A competitive performance and positive result would ease the pressure, rebuild confidence and remind supporters why Parkinson has repeatedly proved himself during Wrexham’s remarkable journey.
