Steven Gerrard linked with Wrexham job ahead of Preston's key trip

Preston North End travel to face Wrexham this weekend amid speculation that Steven Gerrard could replace Phil Parkinson as the home side's manager.

Steven Gerrard has been linked with the manager's job at Wrexham as Preston North End prepare for a vital away fixture this weekend. The Lilywhites, who sit 24th in the Championship with just four points from ten games, face a trip to the Racecourse Ground on Saturday. Wrexham are themselves 17th after two wins this season, with co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac reportedly reluctant to part with current boss Phil Parkinson. The managerial talk adds an extra layer of intrigue to a match that is key for Preston's survival hopes.

Steven Gerrard linked with Wrexham job

Gerrard would be open to the Wrexham role if a vacancy arises. The former Liverpool captain has not managed since leaving Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq almost two years ago. "Gerrard would be open to the job," talkSPORT said. His potential appointment would bring significant attention to a club already famous for its Hollywood ownership. For Preston, the focus is firmly on the pitch after a 4-0 defeat at Birmingham last time out, a result that leaves them 19 points adrift of leaders Swansea.

Wrexham's current state and ownership context

Wrexham missed out on the Championship play-offs last season and have found the current campaign challenging. They have taken just two wins from their opening ten matches. Owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac are said to value the stability Parkinson has brought since his 2021 appointment, which includes back-to-back promotions. This internal context makes any managerial change a complex decision, even as external links to a high-profile name like Gerrard persist.

Connections between Liverpool players and Wrexham

The speculation has also highlighted several Liverpool-affiliated players with links to Wrexham or the Championship. Left-back Owen Beck, 24, was born in Wrexham and is the great-nephew of Ian Rush. He had a loan spell at Derby last season cut short by injury. Fellow full-back Luke Chambers, 22, spent the second half of last season at Charlton. Midfielder Harvey Elliott, 23, is currently on loan at Valencia, while 20-year-old Michael Laffey has been around Liverpool's first-team squad. These connections illustrate the network that a manager with Gerrard's background might tap into.

Preston's immediate concern is stopping a run of form that reads five games without a win. Their recent results, show a single point from a 2-2 draw with QPR. They have conceded 20 goals this season, a defensive record they must improve starting at Wrexham. The fixture represents a key opportunity to climb off the bottom of the standings. Preston's next match is away at Wrexham on Saturday, 17 October 2026.