Steven Gerrard is currently without a job after leaving Al-Ettifaq earlier this year, but has been backed to manage Championship side Wrexham by an ex-Premier League player
Former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has been tipped to manage Wrexham
(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
Steven Gerrard has been tipped to make Wrexham the next destination on his managerial journey after a six-month spell without a job. The Liverpool legend left his role in charge of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq by mutual consent at the end of January after a year and a half at the helm.
The next move for the former Rangers and Aston Villa boss is unclear after reportedly rejecting a return to Ibrox earlier this year. However, ex-Blackburn Rovers striker Matt Jansen believes he would be the perfect fit for Championship club Wrexham.
The Welsh outfit, owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are just one game into their first season in the second tier after a 43-year hiatus. The Red Dragons took an early lead in their opening match at Southampton on Saturday, thanks to a Josh Windass penalty.
But they suffered a blow as late goals from Ryan Manning and Jack Stephens secured victory for the Saints. Despite the bitter defeat, Wrexham demonstrated potential by putting up a strong fight against a team that was relegated from the Premier League only in April.
Manager Phil Parkinson has won the confidence of the club's co-owners by leading them to three successive promotions. However, some pundits have questioned the 57-year-old's previous performance in the division.
Parkinson has managed 141 Championship matches with Hull City, Charlton Athletic, and Bolton Wanderers, but with only 26 wins and an average of less than a point per game. Jansen has now suggested that Gerrard would be an excellent choice if Parkinson struggles to rack up points.
Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney celebrate promotion from League One
Gerrard has been tipped to join Wrexham, who have enjoyed huge success under the ownership of Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds
Speaking to BettingLounge.co.uk, Jansen, who had a brief spell at Wrexham in 2009, said: "I don't think Gerrard has had a terrible run. He did well at Rangers, then went to Villa and they were mid-table. It's just that Unai Emery's done so well since.
"Gerrard's been out in the Middle East, but I think he'll want to come back and do what Frank [Lampard] has done, take a Championship club with ambition and one that has a real chance of getting promoted.
"If Wrexham struggle, that could be a good fit for him. He'd definitely have the backing, and with his contacts, I'm sure he could attract some big-name players too."
Steven Gerrard is one of many famous faces that call Liverpool home
Steven Gerrard is without a job after leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in January
Gerrard embarked on his managerial career by leading Liverpool's under-18 team in 2017, before taking the reins at Scottish powerhouse Rangers the following year. The ex-England midfielder spent three seasons at Ibrox, culminating in a Scottish Premiership title win in 2021.
His success led to his appointment as manager of Aston Villa in November 2021, but he was let go less than a year later due to unsatisfactory performances. Gerrard's stint with Al-Ettifaq lasted 18 months and since January, he has been without a job.
Wrexham are not expected to rush into any decisions about Parkinson's role at such an early stage of the season. The manager has been backed robustly in the transfer market by Reynolds and McElhenney, with eight new players joining this summer, including former Liverpool men Conor Coady and Danny Ward.
Speaking after the loss to Southampton, Coady said: "It's hugely disappointing. We'll look back at the performance and pick out some really good bits. The whole football club has got to learn, including myself.
"But I thought we really hurt Southampton at times. We had our moments in the game, we had a couple of chances in the first half, me as well. Just those little moments in the game, can we get them right? Because if we do and we go 2-0 or 3-0 up, I think it's a perfect performance.
"So really disappointing, but can we take positives? I think we can. We will get better. Let's not forget, Southampton were Premier League last season and Wrexham were League One so we're in a position now where we're fighting with these teams and showing that we can play."