Wrexham have had a mediocre start to their second season back in the Championship, with doubts constantly being raised about whether they’ve reached their peak with Phil Parkinson in charge.

The 58-year-old has been the cornerstone of Wrexham’s success in the National League, League Two, and League One, guiding the Welsh club to three straight promotions.

However, there were always going to be doubts about Parkinson’s suitability as a Championship manager because, prior to last season, he had a poor record in the second tier, averaging less than a point per game at Hull City, Charlton Athletic, and Bolton Wanderers, the latter under difficult off-field circumstances.

Nonetheless, Parkinson led Wrexham to within a whisker of making the play-offs, and their seventh-place finish is the highest EFL ranking in their history. The question was whether they could build on that success and return to the top eight.

Wrexham have not enjoyed the start of the season that many predicted.

Wrexham’s team received significant investment this summer, as has been the case in North Wales since the Hollywood combination of Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac took control in the National League.

Anthony Patterson was the most expensive signing, while Jaques Ekomie, Callum O’Hare, and Danny Imray were also reasonably priced, while Ben Whiteman and Joe Worrall helped to stabilise the team and add experience.

As a result, only three wins in 11 to begin the season, while a better start than last season, isn’t ideal, considering the assets at Phil Parkinson’s disposal, and worries about his preparedness to be in charge of this project have reared their heads once more.

The frustration was palpable after their recent midweek loss to West Brom, with boos ringing around the Racecourse Ground as the Red Dragons fell 2-1. However, they responded emphatically on Saturday, defeating lowly Preston North End 4-1.

Scott Parker was considered as a replacement for Phil Parkinson if Wrexham sacked him.

Ultimately, with their backs against the wall, Wrexham’s players know how to battle for Parkinson and deliver a strong performance.

It was witnessed after they were beaten 6-0 at West Ham United, but then defeated Southampton in the final game before the international break, and then again here, responding to a home setback by striking Preston for four goals.

That being said, considering the money invested in the club, Wrexham cannot be satisfied with winning games as the pressure builds. They need more wins, and after claiming in February that they would never fire him, Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac will be forced to make a difficult decision if this trend continues.

According to Ben Jacobs, both Steven Gerrard and Scott Parker are waiting in the wings in case the dugout position at the Racecourse becomes vacant for the first time in almost five years, with the latter notably making a strong show of intent.

Parker is undoubtedly the most likely manager to lead a top two charge in the second division. All three of his seasons at this level, with Fulham, Bournemouth, and, most recently, Burnley, saw his team promoted automatically.

Scott Parker’s Championship Managerial Record

Games

141

Wins 78

Draws: 41

Defeats: 22

Win percentage

55.3%

Promotions

3

His Premier League record is less than stellar, but with the focus on the present, Wrexham would be in a stronger position to return to the top tier with the 46-year-old in command.

Crystal Palace may sign Scott Parker before Wrexham have a chance.

However, Parker’s next moves in management have not been discussed only with Wrexham. TEAMtalk claimed on Monday that Crystal Palace is considering hiring the former Burnley manager if they fire under-fire manager Pierre Sage.

Oliver Glasner’s replacement at Selhurst Park has struggled to adapt to the Premier League. The Eagles had the league’s worst defensive record and were thrashed 5-0 by rivals Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday, trailing 3-0 after 10 minutes.

Many believe there is no way back from such a loss, especially if Palace is presently 14th in the Premier League after seven games. While the club continues to support him, TEAMtalk claims that potential replacements are already being sought if his dismal performance continues.

Parker, Swansea City manager Vitor Matos, and out-of-work duo Rob Edwards and Kieran McKenna are the four head coaches being considered as possible successors.

Despite a terrible top-flight record, you’d expect this to be the best group Parker has worked with, and they’d be taking a gamble that his lack of success in the Premier League was due to inferior playing personnel.

Wrexham may need to act quickly to obtain Scott Parker if Crystal Palace sacks Pierre Sage.

Parker is unlikely to be Crystal Palace’s first choice if Sage is fired. Given his terrible Premier League record, he is unlikely to be a fan of the Eagles.

However, as previously indicated, his stint in the top flight coincided with squads who were among the division’s weakest. While Palace are not a top-six team, they have made significant investments in their squad in recent years, owing to the allure of European football.

It would be a gamble to bring him in, but one that the management at Selhurst Park may be willing to take, which would be harmful to Wrexham.

The Red Dragons may continue to cling on to Parkinson, but that could result in another Championship season, delaying the club’s momentum further. With Parker in charge, they’d probably become promotion favourites in many people’s minds.

Finally, the decision-makers at the Racecourse Ground cannot allow sentiment to get in the way. Parkinson will be remembered as a Wrexham legend, and many fans believed he would be the guy to lead them all the way to the top, but others may be better prepared to take that final step.