Matt Jansen has, in an exclusive chat with GOAL, explained why Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard would be a good fit for the manager’s job at Wrexham. He has also admitted that Jose Mourinho would likely relish the “drama” of working alongside Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac in front of documentary cameras if the opportunity ever arose for him to take the reins at SToK Racecourse.
Parkinson questions: Speculation at Wrexham
Former England captain Gerrard appears to be closing in on a return to coaching at Old Firm giants Rangers. He previously led them to Scottish Premiership title glory in 2020-21, before going on to take in forgettable stints at the helm of Aston Villa and Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.
Gerrard may be heading back to Glasgow as there is no role for him to fill in North Wales for now. The odd question has been asked of Phil Parkinson’s future as Wrexham boss this season, but he has made history with the Red Dragons when guiding them to three successive promotions and up into the Championship.
AdvertisementGettyGerrard, Mourinho, Dyche, Allardyce: Who fits Wrexham?
He has plenty of credit in the bank as a result, but speculation continues to rage regarding a potential move from Wrexham to appoint a so-called ‘bigger name’. Quizzed on whether that could happen, former Red Dragons striker Jansen – speaking in association with – told GOAL: “There is always going to be names linked to it – the razzmatazz around it, the Hollywood theme. There are always going to be names linked to it, that’s the nature of the beast.
“Will Parkinson stay there? Will a bigger name come in? Would a Steven Gerrard be interested in a similar thing to what Frank Lampard is doing at Coventry? Then you have got Graham Potter, who is out of work now. You’ve got Sean Dyche, who is vastly experienced. Then you’ve got Big Sam [Allardyce], who is always there or thereabouts. There are always going to be names dotted about. Phil Parkinson has done a fantastic job so far. How long that will continue, who knows.”
Pressed on whether a starring role on ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ would appeal to ‘Special One’ Mourinho, Jansen added: “He’s just gone to Benfica and they are in the Champions League, so would he drop to the Championship? You can never tell with Mourinho, he loves the attention. It would be a drama that he would probably relish. I can’t see him leaving Benfica, but you can never say never.”
Did Wrexham learn from Birmingham's failed Rooney experiment?
Parkinson retains the full support of Reynolds, Mac and the Wrexham board for now, with there acceptance at the Racecourse that change is not always a good thing. Profile is not the most important factor either when it comes to club management, with Birmingham City having seen their fingers burned when appointing Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney – who contributed to them suffering relegation into League One.
Asked if Wrexham will have taken lessons from that failed experiment at St Andrew's, Jansen said: “Possibly. But then look at Frank Lampard and how well he has done. Steven Gerrard did really well at Rangers, has been out in Saudi and is vastly experienced. Different characters. One manager is going to succeed, one’s not.
“I think Steven Gerrard would be a suitable fit if Parkinson was to go. A leader, a captain – that’s not to say that Rooney isn’t a good manager, but it didn’t work out for him. You can never say who will be successful as a manager. I’m sure Steven Gerrard would relish the chance at Wrexham, and living not far away. It could be a good fit.”
GettyWrexham fixtures & points total: Next up for Red Dragons
Wrexham are currently enjoying a rest period during the international break. They played out an entertaining 1-1 draw with Tom Brady’s Birmingham in their last Championship fixture and, with 10 points being picked up through nine fixtures this season, will be back in action on October 18 when taking in a strip to Stoke City.
