Who Could Replace Phil Parkinson At Wrexham

Phil Parkinson’s place in Wrexham history is secure, but the demands of the club’s push into England's biggest league may be too far for the former Sunderland, Bolton Wanderers, and Hull City manager to reach, given the inconsistent start to the season in North Wales.

Three consecutive promotions transformed expectations at the Racecourse Ground. Sustaining that progress, however, has brought a different challenge, with an inconsistent Championship campaign testing patience and placing performances under greater scrutiny.

Successive defeats against Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield United, both without scoring, have increased the debate over whether Parkinson is the right man to take them into the Premier League, let alone establishing them as a Championship regular.

Some argue Wrexham have progressed too quickly, given all the hype and attention the ownership and the documentary have brought the club. Becoming a well-established Championship side that is consistent in recruitment and on-field matters should be a success, yet talk about Parkinson’s long-term future doesn’t seem to be going away.

For Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, any managerial decision would carry considerable weight. If Wrexham eventually decides a fresh approach is needed, finding the right successor will be crucial. Here, we assess five potential candidates who could offer different routes forward if the club chooses to make a change.

Steve Cooper -

Cooper would bring a personal connection to Wrexham alongside experience of delivering Championship promotion. The Welshman began his coaching career in the club’s academy before progressing through Liverpool’s youth setup and winning the Under-17 World Cup with England in 2017.

His outstanding turnaround at Nottingham Forest culminated in promotion to the Premier League in 2022, demonstrating his ability to restore confidence and unite a struggling squad. Those qualities could appeal to Wrexham. Cooper’s development background and Championship pedigree make him a top potential successor.

Rob Edwards -

Edwards would offer Wrexham experience of turning promotion ambitions into reality. The former Wales international guided Forest Green Rovers to the League Two title in 2022 before taking Luton Town into the Premier League through the Championship play-offs a year later.

His preference for three central defenders and energetic wing-backs could provide continuity with Wrexham’s existing squad, while offering further tactical development. However, difficult spells at Watford, Luton and Wolves raise questions about his ability to sustain progress. Edwards is an intriguing option.

Scott Parker -

Parker’s Championship record would make him a strong candidate. Having guided Fulham, Bournemouth and Burnley into the Premier League, he understands the demands of building promotion-winning teams. His Burnley side kept 30 clean sheets during their successful 2024/25 campaign, highlighting the defensive organisation he could bring to the Racecourse Ground. However, translating that success into sustained Premier League progress has proved considerably harder, and he left Burnley following relegation in April.

Nathan Jones -

Jones would offer Wrexham an intense, demanding approach shaped by his success at Luton Town and Charlton Athletic. The proud Welshman guided Luton out of League Two before returning to lead them into the Championship play-offs in 2022. He subsequently rebuilt his reputation after difficult spells at Stoke City and Southampton by securing Charlton’s promotion in 2025. His emphasis on pressing, organisation and collective commitment could appeal to a club seeking greater consistency. However, he has yet to take a team from the Championship into the Premier League, and Wrexham would need to consider that.

Steven Gerrard -

Gerrard would bring considerable profile to Wrexham, one that fits the Hollywood story and Welcome To Wrexham documentary, but his managerial career so far hasn’t matched that of his playing ability.

The former Liverpool captain guided Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title in 2021, ending Celtic’s pursuit of ten consecutive championships. However, subsequent spells at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq failed to produce comparable success, leaving questions about his suitability for another ambitious project. His reputation could help attract players, but questions remain about whether he can build a team capable of securing promotion from the Championship.

Wrexham face two home fixtures before the international break, hosting Middlesbrough on Wednesday, November 4, at 7.45pm before welcoming Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, November 7, at 12.30pm.

Both matches give Phil Parkinson a chance to restore confidence, with improved performances and results needed to ease scrutiny over his side’s inconsistency and future in North Wales.