Phil Parkinson must improve shocking record vs Derby County in Wrexham clash

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Wrexham are preparing for a vital Championship clash this weekend against Derby County, as the Rams make the trip to Wales.

The Red Dragons head into the game off the back of an excellent 3-2 victory over Norwich City away from home, their second league win of the season, with both of those coming on the road.

Phil Parkinson was quick to praise Josh Sargent as his side kept the USA international quiet at Carrow Road, but now attention turns to the Rams.

Derby have the better record against Wrexham, and for Parkinson there will be concerns that history repeats itself when the East Midlands club visit the Racecourse Ground.

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Phil Parkinson only has a 25% win record against Derby County

John Eustace is yet to face the Red Dragons in his managerial career, but the Rams are no strangers to Parkinson.

The Wrexham boss has faced Derby eight times, but he has only claimed victory twice. The first of those came in their first ever meeting, as Colchester United ran out 3-1 winners in the FA Cup fourth round in January 2006.

He then went on to taste defeat to the Rams with Hull City, before picking up a draw while in charge of Charlton Athletic in 2008. However, he lost the return fixture at Pride Park 1-0.

While Parkinson was the manager of Bolton Wanderers, his side played Derby on four different occasions, but he oversaw three losses, winning only once – just days after Frank Lampard’s Rams side had beaten Manchester United in the Carabao Cup.

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Wrexham should be filled with confidence ahead of Derby County’s visit

It’s been a difficult start to life in the Championship, and despite Wrexham winning three successive promotions, it looks unlikely that they will repeat that feat this season.

Parkinson is under pressure from the board, but the win over Norwich will hand him renewed confidence in not only his team, but also his own ability to help this team finish in mid-table.

Derby have found it tough to pick up results so far in 2025/26, and their captain Lewis Travis knows they must improve quickly if they are to avoid a relegation battle.

Nevertheless, this is an excellent opportunity for Wrexham to pick up their first home win of the season and for Parkinson to help improve his poor record against the Rams.