Phil Parkinson remains in charge at the Racecourse Ground, but speculation is mounting after a poor start to Championship life.
Wrexham’s 3-1 defeat to Queens Park Rangers left them in 21st place with just four points from five games, sparking questions over whether the Hollywood-backed club may act sooner rather than later. That led to a spate of odds over a possible new manager, and while they’ve since climbed, chatter won’t stop about a replacement in Wales.
EFL Championship
Parkinson has delivered three successive promotions and oversaw a £33m summer spend that brought in 13 players, yet pressure is growing in a division renowned for its brutality.
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have shown ambition since their takeover, and bookmakers have wasted little time in naming potential successors should the axe eventually fall.
The Leading Contenders
Danny Rohl – 3/1
Danny Rohl has emerged as the bookmakers’ favourite. The 35-year-old impressed last season by steering Sheffield Wednesday to a mid-table Championship finish despite crippling financial uncertainty. His decision to step away in the summer only heightened speculation over his next move, with Leicester City previously considering him before talks collapsed.
Rohl’s reputation for tactical organisation and working with young squads makes him an intriguing fit for Wrexham, particularly with the owners seeking long-term sustainability alongside ambition. His lack of deep Championship experience could be a concern, but his rising stock in English football means Wrexham would not be the only suitor if Parkinson’s tenure were to end.
Gary O’Neil – 4/1
Gary O’Neil has quickly developed a reputation as a firefighter in the Premier League, keeping Bournemouth up against the odds before being dismissed and then stepping in at Wolves. He guided Wolves to 14th in 2023–24, but a poor start the following season led to his sacking in December 2024.
Despite setbacks, O’Neil is admired for his pragmatic approach, tactical flexibility, and ability to extract results from limited resources. A move to Wrexham would represent a step down in level but potentially a step up in stability. The Hollywood backing could give him the platform to rebuild his reputation in a less pressurised environment than the Premier League.
Sean Dyche – 5/1
Sean Dyche is another name in the frame. The 54-year-old was most recently at Everton, where he was dismissed in January 2025 following a turbulent spell overshadowed by financial issues. Dyche remains synonymous with his success at Burnley, twice guiding the Clarets into the Premier League and keeping them there on a modest budget.
His emphasis on defensive solidity and work ethic might not fit the “entertainment” narrative around Wrexham’s ownership, but he would offer Championship nous and reliability in a division that punishes naive football. If Reynolds and McElhenney decide results matter more than style, Dyche’s candidacy will carry real weight.
Ruben Selles – 7/1
Ruben Selles arrives in the conversation fresh from a bruising spell at Sheffield United, where he lost his opening five games of the 2025–26 campaign before parting ways. His wider record is mixed: he kept Reading competitive, achieved promotion, and impressed tactically in spells at Southampton and Hull City, but has struggled for consistency.
At just 42, Selles is seen as a coach with room to grow, but Wrexham fans may not be convinced given his most recent record. Bookmakers still rate him a contender, especially with his Championship experience, though his stock has undoubtedly dipped after a torrid few months in Yorkshire.
Steven Gerrard – 9/1
Steven Gerrard’s name inevitably enters the frame whenever a high-profile job arises. After leading Rangers to a Scottish Premiership title in 2021, he endured a mixed stint at Aston Villa before heading to Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq.
He left that role earlier this year and has been waiting for the right opportunity to return to English football. Gerrard’s reputation as a leader is unquestioned, and his global profile aligns with Wrexham’s Hollywood-backed brand.
However, his lack of Championship experience and patchy managerial record in England raise questions. Even so, his availability ensures he will remain a serious candidate should Parkinson depart.
