Wrexham Boss Makes Squad Request As Cup Scorer Wants League Chance

Phil Parkinson has urged Wrexham to rediscover their defensive structure at The Racecourse after a slow start to life back in the Championship.

At the same time, teenage midfielder Harry Ashfield is pressing for his league debut after impressing in cup competitions.

Parkinson Calls For Calm

The Reds have enjoyed a remarkable rise, achieving three straight promotions to reach the second tier for the first time in over four decades. Much of that success was built on a formidable home record, but back-to-back defeats and a draw at The Racecourse this season have raised concern.

Wrexham were beaten 3-2 by West Brom, let slip a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw with Sheffield Wednesday, and then fell 3-1 to Queens Park Rangers. Parkinson believes his players have been guilty of chasing wins too early, opening themselves up defensively.

“We’ve almost got a desperation to go and win games,” he admitted. “That doesn’t come from a bad place, it comes from a team and a club used to winning at home. But we’ve got to educate the group that we’ve won games from a really strong structure, and we just haven’t quite got that in place at home yet.”

The manager pointed to stronger showings away from home, including a 2-0 win at Millwall, and wants his squad to replicate that discipline back in north Wales. With four points from five matches, Wrexham sit 21st ahead of Saturday’s trip to Norwich City.

Ashfield’s Breakthrough

While Parkinson works to restore balance, 19-year-old academy product Ashfield is seizing opportunities in the cup. The midfielder scored in the Carabao Cup victory at Preston North End and has been trusted in ties against Hull City and Reading. He was also a regular in last season’s EFL Trophy run to the semi-finals.

Although still awaiting his Championship bow, Ashfield has been named among the substitutes in four of the opening five league fixtures. He admits he is desperate to make the step up into league football.

“Being on the bench is massive and I just want to push on,” he said. “It means everything and hopefully I can come on one game and show what I can do.”

Facing competition from experienced names such as Josh Windass, Lewis O’Brien, Ollie Rathbone and Elliot Lee, the youngster recognises the challenge ahead. However, he views the battle for places as motivation rather than a barrier.

Ashfield is contracted until 2027 and is determined to build on his early cup form to carve out a role in the Championship campaign.

Site Opinion

Wrexham’s fairytale rise was always likely to face early turbulence at Championship level, and Parkinson is right to stress structure over emotion at The Racecourse. Home crowds expect attacking football, but pragmatism could be vital in ensuring survival.

At the same time, Ashfield’s progress offers a positive narrative for supporters, symbolising the academy’s pathway into the first team. If he can translate cup form into league contributions, the youngster could become an important asset in what is set to be a challenging season.