Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has told The Leader that his players are focused on getting the job done on their quest for promotion in what has been a gripping title race in the National League.
The Welsh side currently sits top of the National League with a whopping 91 points from 37 league games, with the club only tasting defeat on two occasions this season.
However, Phil Parkinson’s side has been locked in a bid for the title all season by Notts County, with the Magpies currently sitting a point behind Wrexham having played a game more and, like Wrexham, have only lost twice this season.
With Wrexham so far having the advantage in the race for the title, the two sides are set to come up against each other on Easter Monday at the Racecourse Ground in what is sure to be the biggest game of the National League season, with a sell-out crowd expected.
Here's how we're looking now 👀
It's just an incredible season isn't it?#TheVanarama | @Vanarama
— The National League (@TheVanaramaNL) March 15, 2023
Wrexham, owned by Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star Rob McElhenney, are looking to get out of the National League after 15 years in the fifth division after missing out on the title to Stockport County and falling to a 5-4 thriller in the play-offs to Grimsby Town last season.
In what is sure to be a tense end to the National League season, Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has told his players to keep their feet on the ground and to be fully focused in completing the job at hand as the club approaches the final nine games of the season.
“There are nine games to go and this is what it is all about,” said Parkinson. “We just go into these games with a cool, clear head of what’s required in each and every game.
“Our focus is making sure each day is right this week because players have got different requirements; some need a bit more rest, some need some work. By the time we get to Friday, sit down and pick a team which we feel is right for this game. That’s a challenge that myself and all the staff enjoy.
“I have always said that the lads are very focussed; they are incredibly focussed on what’s required. There is a great core of senior players who drive the group forward.”
Wrexham managed to claim another three points in their previous game at home to playoff-chasing Southend United, with a Steve Arnold own-goal the difference as Phil Parkinson’s side claimed the three points at the Racecourse Ground.
Following their victory over Kevin Maher’s side, Parkinson has gone on to express how pleased he was with the hard-fought victory over Southend and how a free midweek has helped his players regain some freshness having played on six of the last seven Tuesday’s ahead of their game away to Bromley this weekend.
Parkinson added: “I was so pleased at the weekend because it was the end of a long run and to get over the line in that game, I felt it was a good achievement from the lads.
“We have had a lot of football because of the cup exploits but it is a great opportunity this week to get everyone fresh again and ready for the weekend.”
Mae'r frwydr yn parhau 👊
The battle continues 👊
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— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) March 11, 2023
Writers View
Approaching the business end of the season is always tense if your club is fighting for something and, in this case, it’s Wrexham against Notts County in a battle for that one and only automatic promotion place in what has been a brilliant title race.
However, before the two sides meet at the Racecourse on Easter Monday, both clubs have massive games coming up in which the aim is to go and get three points and I think this approach from Phil Parkinson is the correct way of going about it.
As it stands, the title is very much in Wrexham’s hands but he, like every other Wrexham supporter, realises there is still a long way to go in achieving their ultimate aim: gaining promotion back into the Football League.
I’m a Seattleite, newly intrigued by the NL—thanks to Wrexham’s fairytale—who hungrily searches for any news. Your expansion is music to my ears! I’m fascinated by the struggles of all the small clubs on the rise and especially the redemption story happening for the whole of North Wales. The more stories the better!