The Welsh team missed out on automatic promotion spots over the weekend, and Parkinson’s career must be in jeopardy if Wrexham does not advance.
The Hollywood-owned Welsh team lost 1-0 on the road to Gillingham on Saturday, which knocked them out of the automatic promotion spots. Crewe Alexandra, on the other hand, defeated Notts County 3-1 to go above Phil Parkinson’s team.
When the Red Dragons went to struggling Forest Green Rovers on Tuesday night, they had a chance to move back into the top three as well, but they fell behind in just the third minute in Gloucestershire. In the ninetieth minute, Paul Mullin converted a penalty kick to prevent Wrexham from suffering a further setback, and they were able to salvage a point.
Wrexham’s recent form
Their play has deteriorated since the end of January, even though they had a great start to the year and had taken six of a possible nine points in the league.
Their only two wins in the last month have come against Sutton United and Notts County; they have lost four times, notably to rivals Newport County and, in their most recent loss, to play-off-chasing Bradford City and Gillingham.
Even though they have had a bad run of play, Wrexham is still in the thick of the race for automatic promotion, even if there are clubs around who are playing far better than them.
However, Wrexham’s schedule the next month does not get any easier as they play three teams in a row that are fighting for a post-season spot: Accrington Stanley, Morecambe, and Harrogate Town.
At the other end of the table, they take on Grimsby Town and Tranmere Rovers. At the end of the month, they host Mansfield Town at the STōK Cae Ras in what might be a pivotal six-point match that determines who advances automatically and who does not.
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney should sack Phil Parkinson if Wrexham do not get promoted
Wrexham is still on track to win back-to-back promotions, but if they don’t, owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney might reconsider if Parkinson is the best person to lead the team moving forward.
After the Hollywood pair officially acquired the club earlier that year, there is no doubt that the 56-year-old has performed admirably since joining the team in order to ensure that it has returned to Football League status following a 15-year banishment to non-league football.
Although some supporters have questioned Parkinson’s style of play during his time in North Wales, his managerial record at the club shows that he has succeeded in making his team formidable.
However, considering their current standing and the remaining games, it would be seen a failure if Wrexham were unable to secure promotion, whether it be by way of the play-offs or by default staying in the league.
Reynolds and McElhenney have both stated their goals for the team and demonstrated their willingness to invest financially in it to help it succeed.
Now, though, the onus is on the players and—above all—the manager to produce results on the pitch. Parkinson received support from the late-transfer window additions of Jack Marriott and Luke Bolton, and with the team he already had, that should be sufficient for another promotion.
The two should try to replace Parkinson in the dugout despite the memories created under him if they want to continue their incredible ascent back up the English football pyramid. Parkinson’s next month could be crucial if they want him to be in charge next season.
Reynolds and McElhenney are wealthy and ambitious enough to make the required changes, including replacing the current leadership with someone younger.
