Wrexham AFC, the club that’s captured the imagination of football fans worldwide, is facing a pivotal stretch in its Championship campaign—and the rumor mill is spinning with suggestions that could shape its future. After a fairytale run of three consecutive promotions under manager Phil Parkinson, the Red Dragons find themselves in unfamiliar territory: 19th in the Championship table, teetering just two points and three places above the relegation zone as of October 22, 2025.
It’s been a heady ride for the North Wales club, whose Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have brought global attention and investment, not to mention a hit Disney+ documentary. But the step up to the Championship has proven tough. Despite splashing out £33 million on 13 new signings during the summer transfer window, Wrexham has struggled to find cohesion on the pitch. The team’s hunt for a first home win of the season continues, with a crucial fixture against Oxford United looming on Wednesday night.
Yet, for all the speculation swirling around the Racecourse Ground, one thing remains clear: Phil Parkinson still has credit in the bank. The former Sunderland boss, who masterminded Wrexham’s meteoric climb, retains the backing of the board. Club director Shaun Harvey recently reaffirmed the hierarchy’s support for Parkinson, even as whispers about his job security grow louder.
That hasn’t stopped the football world from pondering what’s next. Enter Freddie Ljungberg—the Arsenal legend and former Sweden international—whose name has been floated as a potential successor should Wrexham decide to part ways with Parkinson. The suggestion comes from none other than Anders Limpar, Ljungberg’s ex-Arsenal and Sweden teammate, who believes the 48-year-old has exactly what it takes to guide Wrexham into the Premier League.
“Should Ryan Reynolds speak to Freddie Ljungberg about the Wrexham job in the future? Yes, why not,” Limpar told Hajper, making no bones about his confidence in his friend’s managerial chops. “Freddie Ljungberg is a good communicator. I think he’s ready to step in to take on another team. He has the right personality.”
Limpar’s endorsement goes beyond mere friendship. He points to Ljungberg’s analytical mind and coaching experience, noting, “Unfortunately he got the sack from Wolfsburg and then suddenly he just stopped, but that's not fair on Freddie because when he talks about football, he is a very clever guy and he can see the systems as an analyst as well. For whoever gives him another chance, he will be an unbelievable manager.”
Ljungberg’s coaching résumé is nothing to sniff at. Since hanging up his boots in August 2012, he’s held roles with Arsenal—most notably as interim boss in 2019 after Unai Emery’s departure and before Mikel Arteta’s arrival—and with Wolfsburg. Though his spell at the helm of Arsenal was brief, Ljungberg earned plaudits for his work with the club’s youth teams, nurturing talent and instilling a modern, attacking philosophy.
Currently, Ljungberg manages N5 FC in the Baller League, working alongside fellow Arsenal icons Jens Lehmann and Robert Pires. That experience, says Limpar, only adds to his readiness. “For those of us who are following the Premier League and the Championship, for sure they [Wrexham] are known as a small club who are trying to get up the leagues,” Limpar observed. “We have Melburg, Freddie and Henrik Larsson. All three are potentially very good managers. It was between Graham Potter and Olof Melburg for the Swedish job. So give them a chance. There would be no regrets for the club.”
It’s a ringing endorsement, and one that’s sure to set tongues wagging in North Wales and beyond. Still, the current regime isn’t ready to hand over the keys just yet. Parkinson’s achievements have bought him some breathing room, but the next week could prove decisive. After Wednesday’s home clash with Oxford United, Wrexham faces a daunting trip to Middlesbrough on Saturday. Middlesbrough, currently second in the league, represents one of the toughest tests of the season so far. The outcome of these matches could shape Parkinson’s fate as the club heads into the November international break.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. For Wrexham’s passionate supporters—who’ve watched their club transform from a non-league outfit to a global phenomenon—this season has been a rollercoaster. The influx of new signings, while promising on paper, has yet to translate into consistent performances on the field. Chemistry and confidence remain elusive, and the pressure is mounting as the club looks to avoid being dragged into a relegation scrap.
Off the pitch, the buzz around the club shows no signs of slowing down. The documentary ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ has introduced the Red Dragons to a worldwide audience, and fan engagement is at an all-time high. From North Wales to Los Angeles, supporters are hungry for news, analysis, and, above all, results. The club’s new initiatives, like the ‘Wrexham is the Game’ newsletter, aim to keep fans informed and connected, offering insights, opinion, and a dash of fun for a modest subscription fee.
But back to the football—could a managerial change be the spark Wrexham needs? While speculation about Ljungberg is still just that, it’s hard to ignore the allure of a fresh face with Premier League pedigree. Ljungberg’s reputation as a tactician and motivator might be just what the Red Dragons need to reignite their promotion push, should the board decide to make a move.
For now, though, all eyes are on Phil Parkinson and his ability to steady the ship. The next two matches—Oxford United at home, followed by Middlesbrough away—will be crucial in determining whether the club’s Hollywood script continues on its upward trajectory or takes a dramatic twist.
One thing’s for sure: the coming days promise plenty of drama, both on and off the pitch. With the international break looming, Wrexham’s leadership faces some tough decisions—but with passionate fans, deep-pocketed owners, and a global spotlight, the Red Dragons are still writing one of football’s most compelling stories.
