Phil Parkinson has called on his Wrexham A.F.C. players to focus on their own performance as they aim to bounce back against Preston North End. The manager offered strong praise for his opposite number, Graham Alexander, ahead of the Saturday afternoon fixture at the Racecourse Ground. Wrexham, currently 17th in the Championship with 11 points from ten games, need a result today.
Parkinson described Alexander as a top manager who did a brilliant job at Bradford City, leading them to promotion from League Two in the 2024-25 season. "With Graham, he's played 3-4-3 at Bradford City, and he's set up that way straight away at Preston," Parkinson said, noting the tactical familiarity between the two camps. He added that he and Alexander's staff have encountered each other frequently over the years.
Wrexham's need for improvement
The Wrexham boss stressed that the primary concern is his own team's form, not the opponent's league position. Preston have taken just four points from their opening ten games this season. Parkinson wants to see a clear improvement in performance by five o'clock to give his side the best chance of returning to winning ways.
This comes after a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday night. Kieffer Moore had given Wrexham the lead in the 64th minute, but two late goals from the visitors sealed the loss. That result leaves the Red Dragons 17th in the Championship with 11 points from ten matches, having won just twice. Their record of two wins, five draws and three losses has yielded a minus four goal difference, with 11 goals scored and 15 conceded.
Their recent form shows one win, two draws and two losses from their last five outings, a sequence that includes the 1-1 draw at Derby on Saturday 10 October and the 2-1 victory over Southampton on Saturday 19 September. Key players like Nathan Broadhead, Liberato Cacace, Max Cleworth, and Marley James are currently sidelined, adding to the challenge, with Ben Sheaf and G. Thomason also unavailable. Top scorer Kieffer Moore, with four goals this season, will be key to their hopes.
Parkinson also discussed the team's recent struggles in front of goal, acknowledging a lack of cutting edge in the final third. He emphasized the need for better decision-making and composure when chances arise. The manager confirmed that the squad had undergone a thorough video analysis session to rectify the errors from the West Brom defeat.
Regarding the injury list, Parkinson provided an update, stating that while the situation is not ideal, it presents an opportunity for other members of the squad to step up. He expressed confidence in the depth of his team and the character within the dressing room to respond positively.
Wrexham host Preston at the Racecourse Ground today at 15:00 BST, seeking the performance uplift Parkinson has demanded.
First reported at sports.yahoo.com
