Wrexham Provide ‘Temptation’ for Steven Gerrard as Liverpool Legend Again Tipped to Replace Phil Parkinson as Manager for Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney’s Club

Gerrard’s Coaching Career: Highs and Lows

For Steven Gerrard, the managerial journey has been one of peaks and valleys. The former Liverpool captain, still adored on Merseyside for his years of service and unforgettable Champions League heroics, took his first real steps into management north of the border with Rangers.

It was there, in Glasgow, that Gerrard established his reputation as a serious coach. The Scottish Premiership title of 2021, secured by toppling Celtic’s domestic dominance, remains the jewel in his early coaching crown. The Rangers side he built played aggressive, high-tempo football, and his ability to handle pressure in one of football’s most intense environments earned admiration beyond Scotland.

That success paved the way for a Premier League opportunity with Aston Villa. But Villa Park proved unforgiving. Gerrard’s tenure lasted just 11 months, spanning 40 games, before his contract was cut short in October 2022. The early promise faded as results dipped, and he departed with questions swirling about whether he had stepped into English management too soon.

Like several high-profile names in recent years, Gerrard then accepted the lure of Saudi Arabia. He joined Al-Ettifaq, following the path trodden by global icons such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. Yet his fortunes in the Middle East mirrored his Villa struggles. Out of 59 games, his team won just 23. The spark wasn’t there, and by January 2025, Gerrard decided it was time to walk away and recharge.

Now 45, he has been out of work for nearly a year, watching, waiting, and weighing up the next step.

New Documentary Star: Wrexham Rumours Continue

Steven Gerrard Ryan Reynolds Rob McElhenney

Enter Wrexham. A club whose profile has skyrocketed since Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over in 2020. Once a struggling National League outfit, the Red Dragons are now a global brand, starring in their own award-winning documentary series that has brought their story to millions worldwide.

Gerrard, with his global recognition and Liverpool legend status, feels almost tailor-made for the Wrexham narrative. Phil Parkinson, the man who masterminded their back-to-back promotions, remains in charge. Yet the murmurs about change refuse to go away.

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Gerrard would be high on the list of potential replacements if Reynolds and McElhenney decided to usher Parkinson aside. It is not hard to see why. Gerrard carries star power, coaching experience at the top level, and a connection to Wrexham’s North West roots.

As Pat Nevin put it: “I have to say, Wrexham’s a temptation for Steven Gerrard. With Wrexham, what’s the downside of that? The expectations are minimal from most people in football. Maybe not from the owners, let’s be fair. But he could make that extra special.”

Why Wrexham Role Would Appeal to Gerrard

On paper, the appeal is obvious. Wrexham is no longer just another Championship hopeful; it is a club with momentum, financial backing, and global interest. The project is about more than just football – it’s about brand building, storytelling, and creating a legacy.

For Gerrard, still searching for the next chapter in his coaching career, this could be the perfect reset. Unlike the pressure cooker of Aston Villa or the unpredictability of Saudi Arabia, Wrexham offers a balance: ambition, yes, but without the crushing expectation of a top-six Premier League job.

There is also geography to consider. Wrexham’s proximity to Liverpool means Gerrard could remain close to his roots, a factor that should not be underestimated for someone so deeply tied to Merseyside. As Nevin suggested, “Of course, North West, Wrexham may have a wee understanding with Liverpool Football Club. I wouldn’t be surprised at that one if that happened. Certainly from Stevie G’s point of view, that might be a temptation.”

Disney Box Ticked: Gerrard at Wrexham Makes Sense

Steven Gerrard Ryan Reynolds Rob McElhenney

Wrexham’s story is already one of modern football’s most remarkable. A non-league club turned global media property, thanks to the cameras and the charisma of its owners. The addition of Gerrard would feel almost too perfect for the cameras.

Former Republic of Ireland striker Kevin Doyle summed it up bluntly: “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.”

Doyle’s caution is worth noting, however. He added: “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.”

The tension here is clear. Wrexham’s rise has been built on smart decision-making and careful planning as much as stardust. Parkinson has delivered results, and any managerial change carries risk.

Brady Rivalry Rekindled: Next Up for Wrexham

For all the noise around Gerrard, Parkinson’s immediate future looks a little more secure thanks to recent results. Wrexham have steadied after a shaky start to the 2025-26 campaign, stringing together an unbeaten run of three matches.

A draw with Norwich and a win over Derby County provided a foundation, while a Carabao Cup victory against Reading set up a mouth-watering fourth-round clash with Cardiff City – a derby that will carry extra weight for Reynolds and McElhenney.

Before that, Wrexham face Leicester City away, followed by a quick turnaround to host Birmingham City. That match, inevitably, will be hyped as another Hollywood showdown, given Tom Brady’s stake in the Midlands club. Reynolds versus Brady: the narrative writes itself.

The Bigger Picture

So, where does Gerrard fit into all this?

The reality is that speculation will continue until Parkinson either cements his position with consistent results or Reynolds and McElhenney make a bold move. Gerrard, as a free agent, is always going to attract gossip. His name carries weight, and for Wrexham, it ticks both the football and entertainment boxes.

The challenge for Gerrard would be to prove that he is more than a headline appointment. His managerial record remains mixed, and questions about his adaptability persist. Wrexham, though, might be the environment where pressure is balanced by patience, where he can rebuild his reputation without the unforgiving glare of the Premier League.

For Wrexham, the decision will ultimately come down to identity. Do they stick with the steady hand of Parkinson, the man who has guided them from National League obscurity to Championship respectability? Or do they embrace the next chapter of the Hollywood saga, with Gerrard as the star of the show?

Conclusion: Temptation That Won’t Go Away

Steven Gerrard has options. Whether he waits for another Premier League chance, looks abroad again, or considers an unconventional project like Wrexham, the next step in his managerial career will be scrutinised heavily.

For now, Wrexham provides a fascinating possibility. A club on the rise, owners who understand the value of spectacle, and a fanbase that thrives on dreaming big.

As Pat Nevin put it best, there really doesn’t seem to be much of a downside. For Gerrard, the temptation is real. For Wrexham, the timing may soon be right. And for everyone watching, it would be yet another twist in a story that has already captivated the football world.