Steven Gerrard has been out of the dugout since January 2025, but there's a chance the Liverpool icon has taken a big step towards a return

Steven Gerrard could have just taken a step closer to returning to the dugout after Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson called out his players for not playing with enough spirit. The Red Dragons, who have been linked with a move for Gerrard recently, were defeated 1-0 by Sheffield United at Bramall Lane as their poor start to the season continued.

The Welsh side, who are co-owned by Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are languishing in 17th place, having come close to the play-offs last season. After Ben Brereton-Diaz's goal secured a win for the Blades, Wrexham's long-term manager, Parkinson, called out his side's lack of passion and fight.

Parkinson has been growing frustrated with his side, who have only won three of their 13 matches in the Championship this season. Earlier this month, it was claimed Gerrard was interested in becoming the next manager at the Racecourse Ground, which would be his first job since leaving Al-Ettifaq in January 2025.

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Considering Wrexham's latest disappointment and Parkinson's public criticism of his players, the former Liverpool skipper might be receiving a call sooner rather than later.

Following Friday night's loss, Parkinson said: "Whatever system you play or personnel you play, the team has to represent the town in the way it has done for the vast majority of the last five years

"I think this season we have had some really good performance, but I don’t feel we have got the consistent effort level and desire every week. That’s what our fans are used to seeing.

"We were similar at this stage last year. We were patchy and we worked with the group on an understanding as to what it means to play for this club and how much teams want to beat us.

"How much all the opposition supporters want to beat us. And what it takes to wear that shirt. We got it and nearly got in the play-offs. We have to get that level with this group.”

He also added: "My mantra is when supporters are paying good money to watch us play, I want them driving away feeling the team has given them everything. If we still haven’t won, we go clap them and they clap us off because they have seen an unbelievable, spirited performance.” Parkinson's comments will likely do little to resolve the discontent currently surrounding the club as rumours continue to swirl about his own future.

TalkSPORT recently claimed Gerrard is open to the role, which would be his first since departing Saudi Arabia last year. In addition, TeamTalk also claimed Gerrard has "said yes" to taking over the club, though it remains far from a formality.

As things stand, Parkinson is under pressure but is expected to be given an opportunity to try and turn things around despite rumours linking several managers as potential replacements. Gerrard, who is one of them, is currently enjoying an expanded punditry role on TNT Sports' coverage this season but is continually being linked with a return to the dugout, having been tipped for the Burnley job before they appointed Fabio Celestini earlier this week.

Meanwhile, Gerrard was tipped as an ideal fit for the Wrexham job by Manchester United legend Bryan Robson. He said: "It's whether Stevie wants to get back into the game. He's had a good experience now in Saudi but you know a job like that would definitely interest him if he does want to go back into management.

"I think Wrexham at this moment in time should give Phil a bit more time because he has done a great job for them. They've done fantastic to get where they are from where they were to get into the Championship in a short period of time.

"For me, if they can consolidate in the Championship, even if they finish mid-table, that would be a really good season from where they've come from."