Wrexham assistant coach Steve Parkin has revealed why star player Elliot Lee was benched against Sutton United during last night’s 2-1 win for the hosts.
Lee was on the bench at The Racecourse Ground on Tuesday night before coming on to score a late winner for the Red Dragons against the U’s.
Speaking after the game yesterday, Parkin explained why manager Phil Parkinson decided to rest the 28-year-old [quotes via The Leader]:
“The manager felt that Elliot had played every minute of every game practically and could do with a little breather.
“We thought he looked a little bit tired at Bradford, hence Jordan Davies coming in.”
Lee currently sits on four yellow cards for the season and, should he have been booked against Sutton, would have missed Wrexham’s key clash against rivals Notts County this weekend.
Parkin dismissed the idea of it being about a possible suspension. He continued: “It was more the fact that we were being a bit protective to him and maybe picking up any kind of injury, and keep him ready for the weekend.
“He is a sensible lad, the four bookings thing never really came into it.”
Ahead of the clash, which sees the Welsh side travel to Meadow Lane, the 57-year-old played down the occasion against last season’s two promoted National League sides.
“The key thing is just to keep in touch with everybody who is up there and make sure that you are not too far adrift at any stage of the season.
“It is nice to be right up there but it is just one game at a time. I know it is an old cliche but it has got to be that way,” Parkin added.
“Looking at the league table at this time of year is a little bit dangerous. The most important thing for us is to make sure we apply ourselves at the weekend.”
Writer’s View
Even if it ultimately was down to fitness, Lee’s potential suspension must have played a decision in him not starting on Tuesday night. Wrexham couldn’t crack Sutton United in the closing moments and Phil Parkinson had to turn to the midfielder once more to claim all three points with a stunner.
Without a doubt, Lee is Wrexham’s most important player. Not having him in a replay of that title-deciding match at the end of last season would be a big miss for the Welsh team. With injuries to Eoghan O’Connell and Ryan Barnett, not having Lee could have spelt disaster for Wrexham this weekend. Phil Parkinson absolutely made the correct choice, and having a refreshed Lee can only help Wrexham against County.
