Joe Worrall is targeting a first start for Wrexham A.F.C. To prove a Premier League point to himself after his Burnley exit. The 29-year-old defender joined the Welsh club following two years at Turf Moor where he managed just eight league starts, a period he found deeply frustrating.
Worrall's arrival adds experience to a Wrexham side that currently sits 11th in the Championship with six points from five games. Their recent form reads DWLDD, having scored six goals and conceded four. The club is five points behind league leaders Swansea City, a side they drew 0-0 with last weekend. Phil Parkinson's team will look to build on a 3-0 win at Millwall when they host struggling Burnley on Tuesday night.
Worrall's time at Burnley was hampered by injury and limited opportunity. He missed a large part of their 2025 promotion campaign and found himself unable to break into Scott Parker's Premier League plans. "It was a really hard team to get into after the injury," Worrall told reporters. "I kind of swallowed it up and played like a bit of a backseat role in that promotion season."
His frustration stemmed from a proven track record. Worrall previously captained Nottingham Forest in the Premier League and skippered them to Championship play-off success in 2024. Now at Wrexham, he believes he has unfinished business. "I think I've got something to prove to myself, first and foremost," he said. His immediate aim is to break into a defence that has kept two successive clean sheets, which he has watched from the bench.
Manager Phil Parkinson has already praised Worrall's early influence at the Racecourse Ground. Parkinson highlighted the defender's personality as a positive addition to the squad. Worrall's knowledge of the Burnley dressing room, which he left only a week ago, could also be valuable for Tuesday's fixture.
Worrall stressed his focus is on demonstrating he can add value to a side with clear ambitions. He aims to play a key role in securing a third career promotion, whether that comes this season, next, or the one after. Avoiding injury is a personal priority to ensure he can contribute fully. The defender expects to bide his time for a starting spot but is ready when called upon.
Parkinson's side have adapted their schedule after two long away trips to Millwall and Swansea. The team held a longer meeting on Monday to discuss their progress and the specific challenge posed by Burnley. The Clarets have yet to win this season and are struggling near the bottom of the table following relegation.
Parkinson said he would have a tactical plan for whatever side Burnley fields, potentially leaning on Worrall's inside knowledge. He acknowledged the division is extremely tight and competitive, with games often decided by fine margins. "Burnley have good players and we respect their quality," Parkinson stated, adding that the focus remains on Wrexham's own performance level. The fixture could see Wrexham line up against veteran striker Jamie Vardy, who joined Burnley as a free agent.
Wrexham bolstered their attacking options on deadline day with the signing of Callum O'Hare from Sheffield United. However, the squad is dealing with several absences. Currently sidelined are S. Revan, G. Thomason, N. Broadhead, L. Cacace, and B. Sheaf.
Despite these challenges, Worrall believes the team has the quality to succeed. He noted that Burnley's transition under Nicky Hayen with younger players has not surprised him, and he backs his new club to click into form. After the Burnley match, Wrexham's attention turns to an away fixture against West Ham on September 11th. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming fixtures throughout the campaign.
