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Wrexham must ignore Steven Gerrard – Phil Parkinson deserves time and there's only one upgrade

Wrexham should stick with manager Phil Parkinson and ignore rumours surrounding Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, but they should consider one man if a managerial change does become essential

Wrexham's Hollywood co-owners must flatly ignore talk of making Steven Gerrard the club's next manager
Wrexham's Hollywood co-owners must flatly ignore talk of making Steven Gerrard the club's next manager

Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac must flatly ignore whispers linking Steven Gerrard with the Racecourse hot seat if they ever decide to part ways with Phil Parkinson. While the dizzying Hollywood fairy tale in north Wales inevitably attracts marquee names, appointing the former Liverpool icon would be a major misstep.

Gerrard's managerial career has stagnated significantly since leaving Rangers, with uninspiring spells at Aston Villa and in Saudi Arabia doing little to prove he has the tactical acumen needed to navigate the relentless grind of the Championship.

Wrexham need proven promotion expertise, not a big name, to headline the next season of their Disney+ documentary. Despite a few recent bumps in the road, calling for Parkinson's head is completely reactionary.

Phil Parkinson has spearheaded three promotions at Wrexham, taking them from the National League to the Championship
Phil Parkinson has spearheaded three promotions at Wrexham, taking them from the National League to the Championship
Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac have given their full backing to Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson
Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac have given their full backing to Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson

As the home faithful chanted, "There's only one Phil Parky," it was clear the dressing room and match-going supporters remain firmly in his corner.

Reflecting on how he handles setbacks, Parkinson said: "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."

"After Tuesday, (assistant) Steve (Parkin) and I spoke at 1am when we were driving back home and both of us couldn't wait to get back in and galvanise the group."

Scott Parker would be the most logical successor if Parkinson does leave Wrexham
Scott Parker would be the most logical successor if Parkinson does leave Wrexham

Wrexham chief executive Michael Williamson and the Hollywood owners have repeatedly backed their boss, recognising that occasional setbacks are natural in a division as competitive as the second tier.

However, if Reynolds and Mac do ever decide that Wrexham have hit their ceiling under Parkinson and require fresh blood to take that final leap, Scott Parker, not Gerrard, is a more logical successor.

Parker stands as arguably the ultimate Championship promotion specialist in modern English football.

He holds an incredible 100% record when leading campaigns in the second tier, having secured 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 Premier League, Wrexham's immediate objective is reaching the top flight, not surviving in it.

Parker's tactical structure and proven track record of orchestrating top-two finishes make him more tailored fit for the club's ambitions than a high-profile gamble like Gerrard.

For now, Parkinson has earned every bit of trust to take the club forward once again. But if the board ever feels compelled to make a change to push for the Premier League, they must look past big-name glamour and choose a manager with a proven track record of getting the job done.

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