Wrexham slipped to their first Championship defeat of the season against Birmingham City at the STōK Cae Ras on Friday night, but the result itself was not what appeared to trouble Phil Parkinson most. Two headed goals from Phil Neumann handed the visitors a 2-1 win, prompting some of the manager’s strongest criticism of his side’s defending during his time in North Wales.
It has been a slow start for the Reds, who have two points from three games. Yet Parkinson has been here before, with Wrexham taking only one point from their opening three Championship matches last season before recovering to finish seventh on 71 points, two outside the play-off places.
This time, the manner of the defeat stood out. Neumann’s two goals came either side of Callum Doyle’s equaliser, leaving Parkinson particularly frustrated by how his side defended their own box.
Phil Parkinson makes Wrexham feelings clear
Parkinson did not hold back in his assessment, describing the goals as among the softest Wrexham have conceded during his tenure.
“In all of my time here, I think those two are the softest goals we’ve conceded. We’ve got to give ourselves a chance and defend the box better than we’ve done tonight. The first one, two of their players could have scored and that’s unacceptable.”
Neumann put Birmingham ahead after 13 minutes, and the visitors had opportunities to extend their advantage before half-time. Wrexham saw plenty of the ball but generated just 0.22 expected goals in the first half, reflecting how little threat their possession carried.
That lack of cutting edge was another source of frustration. Parkinson felt his players lacked conviction in the final third and were waiting for somebody else to take responsibility.
“In the first half we didn’t play with enough conviction, belief in the final third. We looked like a team of players who were waiting for somebody else to do something rather than taking responsibility.”
There was a response. Doyle levelled from Lewis O’Brien’s delivery in the 54th minute and suddenly Wrexham had the momentum Parkinson had been looking for.
It lasted nine minutes. Neumann headed Birmingham back in front, with Parkinson again furious with the defending after his side had worked their way back into the contest.
“In the second half we got the momentum we were looking for, we played with more conviction and personality, got back into the game and then conceded off a second phase, a poor clearance, it’s unacceptable.”
Wrexham’s start needs perspective despite Birmingham warning
Wrexham remain without a league win following 1-1 draws with Cardiff City and Watford before Friday’s defeat. Their two points from three matches make for an underwhelming return, but the comparison with last season is worth remembering.
Parkinson’s side had only one point at the same stage of 2025/26. They recovered to finish seventh with 71 points, missing the play-offs by two.
That does not guarantee another recovery, nor does it excuse Friday’s display. What it does show is that three August results need not define a Championship campaign.
Parkinson’s comments were telling because they focused far more heavily on standards. Wrexham’s progress during his tenure has been built on organisation, responsibility and players knowing what is required, making the manner of Birmingham’s goals particularly difficult for him to accept.
The next opportunity arrives away at Millwall on Wednesday. There is little reason for panic after three matches, but Parkinson’s message was unmistakable: Wrexham’s established standards need to return quickly.
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