Phil Parkinson is experiencing genuine scrutiny as Wrexham manager for the first time since taking charge, according to former Wales international Iwan Roberts, following a run of poor results that has left the club searching for answers.
Wrexham's latest setback came on Friday night, when they suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Birmingham City. The loss extended a troubling sequence for the club, who have now gone four matches across all competitions in the 2026-27 season without a win or a clean sheet.
Speaking on BBC Radio Wales, Roberts suggested that the mounting difficulties represent a new challenge for Parkinson, who has overseen a period of remarkable progress at the club since his appointment. "I think he [Parkinson] is probably under pressure for the first time since he's been at Wrexham," Roberts said.
The former striker was quick to acknowledge Parkinson's achievements, crediting him with transforming the club's fortunes. However, he also pointed to a rigidity in the manager's approach that he believes has become a recurring issue during difficult periods in matches. "He's had some incredible success at the football club. I think he's quite stubborn in his way, in his tactics, he doesn't like to change, and I don't mind that because they have been so successful," Roberts added.
Despite his praise for Parkinson's track record, Roberts did not hold back in his criticism of the manager's in-game decision-making when Wrexham find themselves needing to chase a result. He specifically referenced the club's continued use of a back-three formation even in situations where a more attacking approach might be warranted. "But I've said it too many times, when you're chasing a game, you're behind with 15, 20 minutes to go, he still persists with the back three, instead of maybe trying something different, going to a back four and getting another body further forward," Roberts explained.
The comments come at a sensitive time for Wrexham, whose remarkable rise through the English football pyramid in recent seasons has drawn widespread attention and turned Parkinson into one of the most talked-about managers outside the Premier League. That success, built in part on a well-organized defensive structure, now appears to be under threat as the team struggles to find its footing at the start of the new campaign.
The defeat to Birmingham was particularly concerning given Wrexham's recent defensive record. Failing to keep a clean sheet in four consecutive matches represents an uncharacteristic dip in form for a side that has often relied on defensive solidity as the foundation for its attacking play. The inability to close out games or find a response when trailing has raised questions about tactical flexibility, an area Roberts believes Parkinson must address if Wrexham are to arrest their slide.
While Roberts stopped short of calling for wholesale changes, his comments highlight a growing debate among pundits and supporters about whether Parkinson's tried-and-tested methods remain suitable as the club faces stiffer competition and higher expectations. With Wrexham searching for their next win, the coming fixtures are likely to be viewed as a significant examination of both the squad's resilience and the manager's willingness to adapt under pressure.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.