SHOCK MOVE: Wrexham AFC Brings Back Former Coach to Replace Current Manager Amid Disastrous Run of Form
*By Gareth Evans | April 29, 2025*
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the world of football, Wrexham AFC has confirmed that they are re-hiring former manager Dean Keates to replace current head coach Phil Parkinson, whose tenure has been marred by a string of disappointing results. The announcement, made this morning via an official club statement, has raised eyebrows across the footballing world, with fans, pundits, and former players all reacting with a mix of surprise and intrigue.
The shock move comes after Wrexham’s dramatic slide down the League Two table, a series of uncharacteristic performances that has seen the club win just one of their last eight matches. With Wrexham still in the midst of a potential playoff push, the decision to make a managerial change so close to the business end of the season has been met with both bewilderment and, in some corners, cautious optimism.
**The Fall of Phil Parkinson**
Phil Parkinson, who took charge of Wrexham in 2022, initially delivered on the promise of returning the club to its former glory. Under his leadership, the Red Dragons achieved promotion to the Football League, a feat that seemed unimaginable just a few seasons ago. His pragmatic approach, solid defensive structures, and sharp tactical mind were all key elements of Wrexham’s rise.
However, this season has seen a dramatic shift. Wrexham’s once-steady form has faltered, with Parkinson’s methods seemingly growing stale. The team’s last-minute collapse in the FA Cup against a lower-league side earlier this month was the final straw for club executives, who had already been contemplating a change in leadership for several weeks.
“I’ve always believed in Phil, and he’s been part of this journey from the start,” said Fleur Robinson, Wrexham’s CEO, in a statement. “But after careful reflection, we believe that the time has come for a new direction. We are incredibly grateful for Phil’s contribution, but we need someone who can reignite the spark in this squad.”
Parkinson, who had taken the news on the chin, issued a short farewell message. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together at Wrexham. I believe in this team, and I wish them all the best for the future. I’ll always be a supporter of this club.”
**The Return of Dean Keates**
But it’s the return of Dean Keates that has taken everyone by surprise. Keates, who was in charge of Wrexham between 2016 and 2018, had a somewhat turbulent tenure during his first stint. While he was responsible for stabilizing the club after a difficult period, his reign ended amid fan protests due to underwhelming performances, despite being in the midst of a relegation battle.
Keates, now a seasoned coach with experience at several lower-league clubs, was a controversial choice when he left Wrexham in 2018. His exit from the club was not amicable, with reports of strained relationships with senior players and some sections of the fanbase feeling frustrated by his conservative approach.
However, it seems that his name has become synonymous with resilience. His spell at Walsall, where he helped the club avoid relegation and steered them to mid-table safety, caught the eye of Wrexham’s hierarchy, who are now hoping Keates can bring back the stability and mental toughness that the team has sorely lacked this season.
In an exclusive interview following his appointment, Keates expressed his excitement at returning to the club. “This is my home, and I’ve always had a strong connection with the people of Wrexham,” he said. “I’m here to turn things around, and I believe with this squad, we can get back on track. The players know what’s at stake, and I’m here to remind them of the pride that comes with wearing this badge.”
**A Divided Fanbase**
Wrexham fans have been quick to react to the news, with opinions sharply divided. While some supporters are optimistic about Keates’ return, others are not so sure. There are many who feel that Keates’ first spell was far from a glowing success and that his brand of football was too cautious for a club that now has Premier League aspirations.
“I wasn’t convinced when Keates was in charge before, and I’m even less convinced now,” said Dave Hughes, a lifelong Wrexham supporter. “We need fresh ideas, not a return to what we had. Phil Parkinson may have had his problems, but he got us promoted. I’m not sure what Dean Keates can offer now.”
However, others argue that Keates’ deep knowledge of the club and his history of getting the best out of lower-league players could be just what Wrexham need to steady the ship.
“Keates knows Wrexham better than anyone,” said Karen Morris, another fan at the club’s official press event. “He’s been here before, and he knows how to get the best out of these players. Sometimes, you just need someone who understands the club’s DNA.”
What Does Keates Bring to Wrexham?
Keates is known for his no-nonsense, pragmatic approach to football. While his style of play is often described as direct and workmanlike, he has a reputation for building strong team dynamics and ensuring that his players give their all on the pitch. Wrexham’s current squad, laden with talent but sometimes lacking in cohesion, will need the kind of discipline that Keates instills.
“He’s a motivator, no doubt about that,” said an anonymous Wrexham player. “Sometimes, when things aren’t going right, you need someone who can get in your face and remind you of what you’re capable of. Dean did that when he was here before, and we need that again.”
Despite his sometimes blunt style, Keates has a solid track record of working with teams in difficult positions. It’s his ability to grind out results when the going gets tough that may be crucial in Wrexham’s bid to avoid slipping further down the table. With the season’s final stretch coming into focus, Keates will be hoping to reignite the team’s fighting spirit and secure a spot in the playoffs.
**The Road Ahead**
Keates’ first match in charge will be a home fixture against Bradford City, a side that has been struggling in the lower half of the table. The game will be seen as a crucial opportunity for Wrexham to get back on track, and the pressure will be squarely on Keates to deliver immediate results.
Wrexham’s hierarchy has made it clear that this is a short-term fix—Keates has only been handed an 18-month contract, with the possibility of an extension if he can turn things around. The club’s owners, including Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are reportedly keen on a strong finish to the season and are prepared to make further changes if necessary.
For now, though, Wrexham fans will be hoping that Dean Keates can work his magic once more and guide the club back to its winning ways. The stakes are high, but if anyone can bring the best out of this squad, it might just be the man who once stabilized the club when it was in freefall.
As the saying goes in football, it’s not about how you start—it’s about how you finish. And for Wrexham, the finishing line is closer than ever.
Would you like me to expand on any particular part of the story, or would you like a follow-up piece on how the team performs under Keates?