Wrexham linked with big-name managers after releasing Keates
01.06.2021
Dean Keates left Wrexham AFC for the second time in his managerial career less than 24 hours after the club missed playoff places by a heartbreaking 1-point deficit. The Reds took a mere four points from the last possible nine, culminating in a demoralising ten-man draw to Dagenham and Redbridge on the last day of the season. This allowed Bromley and Chester to creep into sixth and seventh position, despite both clubs having far worse goal difference than the dragons.
Keates, who captained the side to the FA trophy as a player in 2013, reached the end of his managerial contract this season. Wrexham’s A-lister owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney wished Keates well, but re-stated their commitment to ‘return the club to the EFL at the earliest opportunity’. Fresh management, they feel, ‘will provide us with the best chance’. Managerial change also provides a twist for their Welcome to Wrexham documentary, and a chance for a new, ambitious cast member going forward.
According to Richard Williams of The Leader, former FA technical director Les Reed will assist the Hollywood co-owners in sourcing a new boss. With professional consultancy handled, and several high-profile ex-players linked, the race narrows by the hour.
Bookies have former Cardiff and Wales striker Craig Bellamy at 25/1 for the role, with Robbie Fowler, who also played for the Blues, at 16/1. Fowler played for Cardiff in the 07/08 season after a formidable Liverpool career, and accrued several years of managerial experience since then. While Fowler currently leads East Bengal in the Indian Premier League, he holds better odds for the Wrexham gig than fellow Scouser Kevin Nolan, who bookies rank at 40/1 to lead the Welsh side next year.
Nigel Clough, the early favourite, is currently 3/1 to manage Wrexham next season. The current Mansfield Town boss kept his club in League 2 this year, and proved his ability to get sides promoted from non-league with Burton Albion, who took the National League title in 2009. With the Burton Brewers, Clough worked under fresh Wrexham appointee executive Fleur Robinson, strengthening his case to star in Welcome to Wrexham.
As things stand, Nigel Clough seems like the sensible choice to guide Wrexham towards their lofty goals. However, National League football is nothing if not unpredictable, particularly with a sprinkle of movie magic from Wrexham’s new owners.
