Six Phil Parkinson replacements Wrexham should consider as sack calls grow.

Wrexham’s difficult opening to the 2026/27 Championship campaign has placed Phil Parkinson under growing pressure, with the manager facing criticism for the first time on this scale since taking charge of the Welsh club.

The Red Dragons suffered another disappointing result on Tuesday night when they were beaten at home by West Bromwich Albion after surrendering a lead in the closing stages.

Wrexham appeared to be on course for an important victory after Kieffer Moore put the hosts ahead shortly after the hour mark. However, West Brom produced a late comeback, with Isaac Price and Aune Heggebo both finding the net to turn the match around and take all three points back to the Black Country.

The defeat left Wrexham with only two victories from their opening ten league fixtures, increasing concerns about their position and prompting greater scrutiny of Parkinson’s future.

Parkinson has been in charge at the Racecourse Ground since July 2021 and has overseen one of the most remarkable periods in Wrexham’s modern history. Under his leadership, the club climbed from the National League through the Football League and into the Championship, while coming close to competing in the second tier’s play-offs.

Despite that extraordinary progress, the 58-year-old is now experiencing increasing criticism. If results do not improve quickly, Wrexham’s owners could eventually be forced to consider a change in the dugout.

With that possibility in mind, six potential candidates stand out as managers Wrexham could examine if Parkinson is dismissed.

Steve Cooper

Steve Cooper would immediately stand out as a manager with extensive Championship experience.

During his three seasons working in the division, two with Swansea City and one with Nottingham Forest, Cooper never finished outside the top six.

His achievements became progressively stronger, eventually culminating in promotion to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest in 2022. Forest have remained in the top flight since that promotion, underlining the scale of Cooper’s achievement.

His subsequent spells with Leicester City and Danish club Brondby were considerably less successful, with Cooper losing his job at both clubs.

He has been without a managerial position since leaving Brondby in May.

For Wrexham, Cooper’s knowledge of the Championship could make him a particularly appealing candidate. If the club’s objective is to challenge for a place in the upper reaches of the table, his record of consistently guiding teams into the play-off positions would make him an obvious option.

A return to Wales could also offer Cooper another opportunity to establish himself after the disappointment of his more recent appointments.

Rob Edwards

Rob Edwards would provide another Welsh connection and could be an intriguing choice for Wrexham.

When Edwards left Middlesbrough for Wolverhampton Wanderers in November 2025, there was an expectation that he would have a long-term future at Molineux, regardless of which division Wolves occupied the following season.

Instead, his time at the club ended unexpectedly during the summer, with Cesar Peixoto subsequently appointed as his replacement.

Edwards has been without a club since then.

His strongest managerial work came at Luton Town, where he played a key role in the club’s extraordinary rise. He helped guide the Hatters from the Championship to the Premier League, completing a remarkable journey that had begun outside the Football League.

A similar challenge at Wrexham could therefore appeal to Edwards. The club are already attempting to establish themselves at a higher level after their rapid climb through the divisions, and his previous experience of managing ambitious teams could make him an attractive possibility.

Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard would undoubtedly be one of the biggest names Wrexham could consider.

The Liverpool legend moved into management with Rangers in 2018 and quickly made a major impact in Scotland. His time at Ibrox culminated in Rangers completing an unbeaten league campaign in 2021.

Gerrard subsequently managed Aston Villa in the Premier League before taking charge of Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq.

The 46-year-old is currently looking for the right opportunity to revive his managerial career after his recent experiences.

Wrexham’s growing profile and financial strength could potentially make the club an attractive destination if Gerrard is prepared to return to management.

Although his appointment would represent a major decision, the club now possesses enough pulling power to make an ambitious move such as this conceivable.

Jon Dahl Tomasson

Jon Dahl Tomasson is another experienced manager who could enter Wrexham’s thinking.

The Danish coach spent more than 18 months in charge of Blackburn Rovers, taking the position in July 2022 before leaving in February 2024.

His time at Ewood Park produced mixed results.

Blackburn came extremely close to securing a Championship play-off position during the 2022/23 campaign, missing out only on goal difference.

However, the situation deteriorated afterwards, and Tomasson became increasingly frustrated by the financial resources available to him. He ultimately cited the lack of funding as one of the reasons behind his departure.

A spell managing Sweden’s national team followed, although that appointment was also unsuccessful.

Tomasson has subsequently been without a job.

He may not be Wrexham’s first choice, but his Championship experience and previous work with Blackburn could make him an option worth investigating if the club decides to move on from Parkinson.

Scott Parker

Scott Parker has one of the strongest promotion records among currently available managers.

The former West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has guided three separate clubs into the Premier League.

He first achieved promotion with Fulham through the Championship play-offs in 2020. Two years later, he led Bournemouth to the top flight after they finished second in the Championship.

Parker then added another promotion to his record with Burnley in 2025. His Burnley side were particularly impressive defensively, conceding only 16 league goals throughout the campaign while collecting 100 points.

His record demonstrates a clear ability to succeed in the Championship, even though his Premier League appointments have not produced the same level of success.

Whether Parker would be interested in taking on another promotion challenge is uncertain, but among managers currently available, his experience makes him one of the strongest candidates Wrexham could examine.

Robbie Keane

Robbie Keane would represent a more unconventional appointment, but his managerial achievements mean he cannot be ignored.

The former Republic of Ireland striker has enjoyed considerable success since moving into coaching.

Keane won the Israeli title with Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2023 before achieving another championship triumph with Hungarian club Ferencvaros in 2025.

His managerial record at both clubs is particularly impressive.

At Maccabi Tel Aviv, Keane managed 53 matches, recording 38 victories, nine draws and six defeats.

His record with Ferencvaros is also strong, with 52 wins, 14 draws and 16 defeats from 82 games.

Those results have increased his reputation and made him an attractive name for clubs searching for a manager capable of delivering success.

Keane’s next challenge could potentially come in the Championship.

Alan Nixon previously reported via his Patreon that Preston North End had considered making a move for the Irishman before eventually appointing Graham Alexander.

If Wrexham decide that Parkinson’s time at the Racecourse Ground has come to an end, Keane could therefore become another manager to enter their consideration.

Ultimately, Wrexham have several intriguing options if they decide to make a managerial change. Cooper offers extensive Championship success, Edwards has experience of extraordinary promotion campaigns, Gerrard brings enormous profile, Tomasson knows the division, Parker possesses an exceptional promotion record and Keane has built an impressive reputation abroad.

Parkinson’s achievements since 2021 remain significant, but the current run of results has increased pressure on the Wrexham boss. With only two wins from ten league matches, another failure to improve could force the club to examine alternatives.

For now, Parkinson remains the man responsible for leading Wrexham forward. However, if the results continue to disappoint, the six names above could become increasingly relevant as the club considers its next move.