Steven Gerrard ticks ‘Disney’ box for Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney as Liverpool legend with ‘American connection’ is billed as ‘bigger name’ for Wrexham

Questions have been asked of Parkinson’s future at SToK Racecourse on the back of a slow start to the 2025-26 campaign. He has, however, overseen a record-breaking run of three successive promotions that have lifted Wrexham out of the National League and into the Championship. That success has earned him plenty of credit and time to get things right - with Hollywood co-owners said to retain complete faith in their experienced manager for now.

That situation could change, with Reynolds and McElhenney making no secret of their desire to take Wrexham into the Premier League. They are also working on enhancing a brand that boasts global appeal. Pre-season tours to the United States and Australia help to highlight how far the Red Dragons have come in a short space of time.

The award-winning ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary series has aided that cause, opening up a window to the world, and calls for a “bigger name” in the dugout have been doing the rounds for some time. Parkinson knows that the only way to fend off that speculation is to generate positive results on the field.

Former EFL and Premier League striker Kevin Doyle has told Boyle Sports, who offer the latest football betting, of what Wrexham’s A-list owners may have planned: “Phil Parkinson has done a brilliant job. How much higher, how quickly do they expect to go? We can't look into the minds of the Wrexham owners. They've had a lot of success, a brilliant story, and it's been fabulous for English football, gaining a worldwide audience.

“But now, how patient are the owners? Do they want to go up again this year or next year? Coming from so low down to where they are now, I don't think that's realistic. I think you have to give Phil Parkinson credit and time. But we don't know whether that's what their owners are thinking, they might want another story, another so-called bigger name in there as manager now, which I'm sure they could get if they wanted. However, it would be very harsh on Phil Parkinson if they did that.”

Amid the rumours of potential managerial change at Wrexham, ex-England captain Gerrard has seen his name thrown into the mix. Doyle can see why the Liverpool great would appeal to Reynolds and McElhenney. He added: “Steven Gerrard has the American connection, having played in the MLS for LA Galaxy. He's a big name. On paper, you would imagine he'd be the type of manager they'd want for their story for Disney, which would be great for viewers.

“But you wonder if their aim is to entertain or to stabilise the football club where they are now. They've come this far, and they should slowly build on that and not try to rush it in one season. In fairness to them, everything they've done so far has been brilliant, so give them credit for that. Wrexham wouldn't be where they are without them. So, just see what their next step is. It's interesting.”

Wrexham have enjoyed back-to-back wins through their last two games in all competitions. A morale-boosting 3-2 victory over Norwich, which saw USMNT striker Josh Sargent kept quiet, was followed by a 2-0 success against Reading into the Carabao Cup which has lined up a fourth round derby date with Welsh rivals Cardiff.

Parkinson’s side, who spent big in the summer transfer window but endured injury issues early in the 2025-26 campaign, will be back in action on Saturday when playing host to Derby County.