Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac’s decision to appoint Phil Parkinson as Wrexham manager in 2021 proved a genius move, though there were other options out there.
Wrexham started the Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds era with Dean Keates in the dugout.
However, the first few months under the new ownership saw the Red Dragons miss out on the National League play-offs.
In turn, Keates was sacked at the end of the 2020/21 campaign, and after a number of players were let go, the rebuild began.
Wrexham fended off Championship interest to land Phil Parkinson, who took charge ahead of 2021/22.
But there were a number of other names Reynolds and Mac could have appointed, one of whom they will face off against in the coming season.
Wrexham to face manager who wanted job before Phil Parkinson
Wrexham have won promotion to the Championship, and their first game in the second tier comes against Southampton.
The Saints were relegated from the Premier League in 2024/25, alongside Leicester City and Ipswich Town.
Now, when Wrexham face off with Ipswich, they will be going up against a man who wanted to become their manager before Parkinson.
While Rob and Ryan were searching for a new coach, it was reported that Mark Hudson wanted the Wrexham job.
That, of course, did not happen, and after a spell as Cardiff City manager from 2022-2023, Hudson has now taken up a role as a first-team coach with Ipswich, who Wrexham play in November for the first time.
Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac had options before Phil Parkinson
It wasn’t just Hudson who was eyeing the job prior to Parkinson coming in, however.
Casey Stoney received abuse after being linked with the Wrexham job. She said at the time: “For the lovely people on here that are abusing me for even being linked with a job in the men’s game please do yourself a favour and lower your blood pressure.
“I am happily spending time with my family thank you if you have a daughter, sister, wife or mother you should be ashamed.”
Stoney is now the manager of the Women’s Canadian National Team.
Keith Hill was another name in the running. He’s been out of work since a stint with Scunthorpe United in 2021-22.