Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson faces a selection headache after midfielder Andy Cannon received his fifth yellow card of the season during Saturday’s 1-0 loss to Stockport County.
Cannon’s suspension adds to Wrexham’s woes as they prepare for their League One encounter with Exeter City this weekend.
Key Midfielder Sidelined
Cannon, a vital cog in Parkinson’s midfield, has been a consistent performer since joining Wrexham. However, his booking against his former club Stockport means he will miss the upcoming match at the STōK Cae Ras. With Cannon out, Parkinson will need to reshuffle his midfield trio, which typically features George Dobson and Elliot Lee as mainstays.
Potential Replacements
Parkinson has several options to fill Cannon’s void, with summer signing Ollie Rathbone emerging as the frontrunner. The former Rotherham United player has been looking to establish himself and could seize the opportunity to start. Another strong contender is Matty James, who impressed Parkinson during the recent Port Vale match.
Other possibilities include young talent Josh Adam, although it might be too soon for the former Manchester City academy player to start in League One. Parkinson will need to weigh his choices carefully as Wrexham aim to bounce back from their defeat at Edgeley Park.
Troublesome Away Form
Saturday’s loss to Stockport continued a worrying trend for Wrexham’s away performances. Louie Barry’s first-half goal secured the win for Stockport, marking another chapter in the rivalry between the two clubs, which has spanned battles in the National League, League Two, and now League One.
Despite the defeat, Wrexham goalkeeper Callum Burton drew praise for his performance, stepping up in the absence of injured Arthur Okonkwo. However, the team struggled offensively, and Parkinson will be looking to address these issues before the clash with Exeter.
Exeter Suspension
It is worth noting that while Wrexham will be missing a man, so will their opponents, Exeter City. They saw midfielder Ryan Woods sent off this weekend for a second bookable offence against Lincoln City, meaning he will miss the clash with the Red Dragons.
However, the Grecians will welcome back Kamari Doyle, Josh Magennis and Finnish winger Ilmari Niskanen, all of whom were absent for their 0-0 draw with Michael Skubala’s Imps.
Writer’s View
Andy Cannon’s suspension is a significant blow for Wrexham at a critical juncture in their League One campaign. Phil Parkinson’s ability to adapt his midfield setup will be tested, with Rathbone likely to step into the spotlight. While Cannon’s absence is a setback, it provides an opportunity for others to prove their worth.
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