Gary Rowett and Phil Parkinson are set to clash this week in the Championship, reigniting old tensions from 2012. Wrexham seeks to recover from a recent 1-0 defeat against Stoke City, as they prepare to face Oxford United at the Racecourse Ground. Meanwhile, Oxford aims to build on a recent home victory against Derby County.
Background of the Rivalry
The animosity between Rowett and Parkinson dates back over a decade. In 2012, while managing Bradford City, Parkinson’s team faced a 1-0 defeat against Burton Albion, who were led by Rowett. An incident during the match involved a perceived foul by Lee Bell, which resulted in Bradford’s Ricky Ravenhill receiving a red card. After the match, Parkinson labeled Bell a ‘cheat’, sparking a heated response from Rowett.
Managerial Records
In terms of managerial experience, Parkinson has a significant advantage. He has overseen more than 1,000 matches, achieving a win rate of 40%. In contrast, Rowett has managed 572 games with a slightly higher win percentage of 40.2%.
| Statistic | Phil Parkinson | Gary Rowett |
|---|---|---|
| Games | 1,025 | 572 |
| Wins | 410 | 230 |
| Draws | 262 | 162 |
| Losses | 763 | 180 |
| Win % | 40.0% | 40.2% |
Current Team Performance
Wrexham is currently in a relegation struggle, prompting fans to call for changes in Parkinson’s tactical approach. Despite this, he maintains an impressive average of 2.01 points per game, achieving a win rate of 60.18% with the club. Rowett, on the other hand, holds a win rate of 31.58% at Oxford, but he appears to have greater job security.
As Wednesday’s match approaches, all eyes will be on the pitch, where the rivalry may reignite, despite past reconciliations. Both managers know the importance of the game, with the stakes high for both Wrexham and Oxford United.
