#phil_parkinson

Watford Goal Marks End of Difficult Period for Rathbone Ollie Rathbone described his last-minute equalizer for Wrexham against Watford last season as a pivotal moment that helped him move past a challenging phase in his career. The attacking midfielder scored within a minute of coming on as a substitute to secure a 2-2 draw with the Hornets in December, marking his first league outing of the season after missing several months due to a serious ankle injury sustained during pre-season. The goal was a turning point for Rathbone, who had struggled to regain his form after the injury. “It was definitely a huge moment in my season, and in my career really,” he said, emphasizing how the strike allowed him to close a difficult chapter and refocus on his development. He referred to the goal as a “fond memory,” highlighting its role in helping him transition from a period of struggle to renewed confidence. Rathbone’s return to action had been delayed, and the match against Watford represented his first league appearance of the season. He admitted that missing pre-season had left him feeling “far behind” when he returned to training, struggling to regain his rhythm and performance levels. “You don’t really understand how big and important pre-season is until you miss it,” he explained, noting that the absence had hindered his progress early in the previous campaign. The 29-year-old feels he is now in a stronger position to showcase his best form this season. He scored eight goals in 30 appearances across all competitions last season but acknowledged that his earlier struggles had been a barrier to his growth. “To see how much further forward I am than last year, it’s chalk and cheese really,” he said, underscoring the progress he feels he has made.#wrexham #phil_parkinson #watford #ollie_rathbone #racecourse_ground

Cardiff vs. Wrexham: Preview, Predictions and Lineups Wrexham will open their Championship campaign with a visit to Cardiff City on Monday, marking the start of a new season for the Welsh side. Phil Parkinson’s team secured their best-ever finish in club history last term by placing seventh, narrowly missing out on playoff qualification. The club anticipates a more competitive second tier this season, with the playoff spots expanded from four to six teams. Wrexham’s return to the Championship last year was marked by a challenging start, and they will be eager to make an immediate impact against a formidable opponent. Cardiff, who defeated Wrexham in the Carabao Cup last season, will be bolstered by a strong home crowd at the Cardiff City Stadium, adding to the intensity of the encounter. The match is expected to be a closely contested affair, as both teams employ direct styles of play. Cardiff aims to reclaim their position as the top-ranked Welsh club in the Championship, while Wrexham seeks to challenge for playoff spots. Despite their ambitions, both sides will face hurdles. Wrexham’s attacking concerns persist, with the team failing to score in three consecutive matches and only managing four goals in their last six games. The absence of key striker Josh Windass, who remains sidelined, has compounded their struggles, and neither Sam Smith nor Kieffer Moore has been a standout performer at this level. Meanwhile, Cardiff’s goalkeeping situation is set to be addressed, as Anthony Patterson, their new first-choice goalkeeper, is expected to make his debut against Wrexham. This decision aims to resolve the uncertainty that plagued the position during the summer.#wrexham #phil_parkinson #carabao_cup #cardiff_city_stadium #cardiff_city

Middlesbrough and Wrexham Set for Competitive Clash in EFL Cup Middlesbrough manager Phil Parkinson has highlighted the club’s aggressive summer transfer strategy, emphasizing their intent to rebuild as a competitive force in the Championship. The Teesside side, which narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League after a 1-0 defeat to Hull City in the Championship play-off final at Wembley in May, has invested heavily in strengthening their squad ahead of the 2025/26 season. Parkinson noted that the club’s financial approach includes both immediate signings and long-term planning, with a focus on creating a squad capable of challenging for top positions. The club’s transfer activity has been marked by significant financial returns. Last season’s English Football League Championship player of the season, Hayden Hackney, was sold to Everton for a base fee of at least £16 million, while the club is expected to secure a minimum of £20.4 million from the sale of Morgan Rogers to Chelsea. Rogers, who joined Aston Villa in 2024, had a sell-on clause in his contract that now benefits Middlesbrough. These transactions have provided the club with substantial funds to reinvest in their squad. Boro have made several high-profile signings this summer, including Jeremy Sarmiento, Myles Peart-Harris, Kyle Joseph, Will Lankshear, Sebastian Berhalter, and Max Arfsten. These additions, alongside the financial windfall from transfers, signal a clear commitment to competing at the highest level in the Championship. Parkinson praised the club’s approach, stating, “They’ve spent quite a bit, but obviously they’ve brought a lot in for Hackney and they’ve got a sell-on clause as well for Rogers, so they’ve brought in money. But obviously they’re looking to spend it and make themselves competitive again.#wrexham #phil_parkinson #morgan_rogers #middlesbrough #hayden_hackney

Wrexham Hero Paul Mullin to Leave Club Upon Mutual Termination of Contract Paul Mullin is set to leave Wrexham AFC after five years with the club, following the mutual termination of his contract. The 31-year-old striker, who scored 110 goals in 172 appearances for Wrexham, was named the club’s Player of the Season on three occasions. His departure marks the end of a significant chapter for the North Wales side, which has undergone a dramatic transformation since its purchase by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Mullin joined Wrexham on a free transfer in 2021 after leaving Cambridge United. At the time, the club was still in the National League. His arrival coincided with a pivotal phase for Wrexham, as the team embarked on a rapid rise through the football pyramid. During his first season with the club, Mullin scored 47 goals across all competitions, playing a key role in securing promotion to League Two. This marked the beginning of a series of promotions that would elevate the club to the EFL Championship. Wrexham won promotion to League One the following season and then achieved back-to-back promotions to the EFL Championship, where they currently compete. The club narrowly missed out on a playoff spot at the end of the previous season. Mullin was one of 10 players in Wrexham’s history to achieve back-to-back-to-back promotions. His goal-scoring record and contributions on the field made him a fan favorite, earning him the club’s Player of the Season award three times. Last season, Mullin spent most of the campaign on loan, playing for Wigan Athletic and Bradford City. The club’s manager, Phil Parkinson, commented on his departure, stating, “I would like to wish Paul all the best. This settlement enables him to take his time and find the right club for him, going forward.#phil_parkinson #ryan_reynolds #rob_mcelhenney #wrexham_afc #paul_mullin

Oxford United vs. Wrexham: Preview, Predictions and Lineups Wrexham will hope to build upon their positive momentum when they travel to face relegation-threatened Oxford United on Tuesday. The Red Dragons head into the match seventh in the EFL Championship table, just two points behind Hull City in the final playoff position. The teams that finish in the top two of the division receive automatic promotion to the Premier League, while the sides that finish between third and sixth compete in the end-of-season playoffs to decide the final promotion place. With only three matches left of the regular season, Wrexham must overcome the two-point deficit between themselves and Hull City, plus hold off the challenge from Derby County, who sit a point behind them. Oxford are 22nd in the EFL Championship table and know they realistically must win if they are to remain in the division next season. Wrexham will head into the match full of confidence after they recorded their most comfortable home victory of the season when they defeated Stoke City 2–0 last weekend. Phil Parkinson’s side know they must take care of their own business before they can dream of sneaking into the EFL Championship playoff positions. However, they have won just one of their last four away matches and know it will be tough to beat a team that is fighting for survival. The team’s tactical decisions in the upcoming match will be critical, particularly in goal and defense. Danny Ward, the goalkeeper, made just his fifth start of the season in the weekend win over Stoke City and appears to have earned the trust of Parkinson for the run-in. Ward’s inclusion in the starting lineup was a surprise, as he replaced the rotated Arthur Okonkwo, and he kept a clean sheet in the process.#wrexham #phil_parkinson #oxford_united #danny_ward #kassam_stadium

EFL Championship LIVE: Birmingham City vs Wrexham - score, text commentary, match stats & head-to-head - BBC Sport Birmingham City host Wrexham in the Championship at St Andrew’s. Kick-off is at 12:00 BST. The Blues have lost three consecutive league matches and have dropped to 17th in the table. Wrexham, meanwhile, were thrashed 5-1 by Southampton in midweek and now sit four points outside the play-off places. Live updates and fan input are available via the ‘Send us your views’ box. The match begins with tension as both teams face challenges. A collision between Kai Wagner and Issa Kabore leaves both players requiring treatment. Referee decisions are expected to be lenient, as noted by Barry Horne, a former Wales and Wrexham midfielder on BBC Radio Wales. Early incidents see Lewis O’Brien and Kieffer Moore fall but are waved through by the referee. Wrexham, struggling with slow starts in recent games, rely on manager Phil Parkinson’s tactics to weather the early pressure. Arthur Okonkwo is called into action again as Callum Doyle’s poor back pass forces the keeper into a hurried clearance under pressure from Jay Stansfield. Wrexham’s early struggles continue, with Barry Horne criticizing their inability to capitalize on Birmingham’s quick transitions from defense to attack. A bright start from Birmingham sees Phil Neumann’s long ball find Jay Stansfield on the right, but Ibrahim Osman’s header is saved by Okonkwo. The crowd’s energy is high, with pre-match entertainment including blue smoke and fireworks. Simon Davies, a BBC Radio Wales commentator, notes the Wrexham supporters filling the away end, The Railway End. Both teams are on the field, and the match is set to begin. The rivalry between Birmingham and Wrexham is well-documented, having both gained automatic promotion from League One last season.#wrexham #phil_parkinson #birmingham_city #bbc_sport #barry_horne

Birmingham City vs Wrexham: Championship Clash with Playoff Implications The Championship season enters its final stretch with a crucial match between seventh-placed Wrexham and 16th-place Birmingham City, both vying for survival and playoff relevance. With just seven games remaining, Wrexham faces a daunting task to secure a top-six finish and a playoff berth, while Birmingham must avoid a complete collapse after a disastrous run of form. The game, set for Sunday, April 12, at St Andrew’s Stadium in Birmingham, carries significant implications for both teams’ managerial futures and playoff aspirations. Wrexham, currently two points behind sixth-place Southampton, suffered a 5-1 humiliation at the hands of the Saints, which not only dented their playoff hopes but also worsened their goal difference. The result left them with a +5 goal difference compared to Southampton’s +19, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities. Manager Phil Parkinson expressed disappointment with his team’s performance, acknowledging the need for a strong response. The visitors, however, face an uphill battle, as their last six Championship games have yielded only seven points, raising concerns about their ability to recover. Birmingham City, meanwhile, finds itself in a dire situation. Manager Chris Davies is under intense pressure after a six-game losing streak, with the club sitting 11 points behind Wrexham. The club’s recent form—just one win in eight matches—has sparked speculation about Davies’ job security. Despite their struggles, Birmingham’s home record offers a glimmer of hope. They have lost only three of their 20 Championship home fixtures this season, though two of their past four home games have ended in defeats.#wrexham #phil_parkinson #chris_davies #birmingham_city #st_andrews_stadium

Watford vs Wrexham: Live Streaming Options, Kick-Off Time, and Match Preview Watford and Wrexham are set to face off in a Championship clash at Vicarage Road, with the match scheduled for 17 March at 14:45 EST (19:45 GMT). Fans looking to watch the game online can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to bypass geo-restrictions and access their preferred streaming services. Services like ExpressVPN allow users to change their virtual location, enabling them to view the match as if they were in a region where it is broadcast. A step-by-step guide to setting up a VPN for live streaming is available for those unfamiliar with the process. Wrexham, traveling to Vicarage Road, are aiming to secure a crucial result that keeps their playoff ambitions alive. The Welsh side recently secured a 2–0 victory over Swansea in a derby match, which not only boosted their morale but also kept them within striking distance of fifth place in the Championship table. After a tough weekend that included a 3–0 defeat to West Brom, Wrexham remain three points behind fifth-place Southampton. Manager Phil Parkinson will be urging his players to maintain focus, especially with six of their final nine fixtures on the road. The team has performed well away from home, earning 27 points from 17 away games and avoiding defeat since December. Watford, on the other hand, face a precarious situation. A win is their only realistic chance of staying in the promotion race, as they sit just a point above Wrexham. Manager Ed Still has overseen a balanced start to the season, with two wins, two draws, and two losses, but a 3–1 defeat at Stoke has left them vulnerable. The Hornets’ reputation for frequent managerial changes adds pressure on Still to prove his long-term value while keeping the team competitive for a top-six finish.#wrexham #phil_parkinson #watford #vicarage_road #ed_still

Arsenal, Chelsea Aim to Avoid FA Cup Upsets As the FA Cup fifth round approaches, Arsenal and Chelsea are preparing to face teams from lower divisions, aiming to avoid unexpected upsets. Wrexham, now owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, hopes to stage a significant upset against Chelsea at the Racecourse Ground. Meanwhile, Liverpool seeks to avenge a recent defeat to Wolves, while Mansfield looks to make history by defeating Premier League leaders Arsenal. Wrexham, currently sixth in the Championship, is fighting for promotion to the Premier League, a goal that would bring visits from top-tier clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City. The club’s manager, Phil Parkinson, emphasized the importance of belief and an underdog mentality ahead of the match against Chelsea. Wrexham has already defeated Nottingham Forest in the third round and aims to build on that momentum. Parkinson referenced the club’s historic FA Cup win over Arsenal in 1992, highlighting the significance of the upcoming clash. Mansfield, managed by Nigel Clough, faces Arsenal in a match that could mark a historic upset. Clough, the son of legendary manager Brian Clough, has led the club to the FA Cup last 16 for the first time in 51 years after defeating Burnley in the fourth round. Despite being 16th in the third tier, Mansfield’s victory over Arsenal would be a remarkable achievement. Clough acknowledged the challenge posed by Arsenal, noting the quality of their squad and the difficulty of overcoming such a high-profile team. Liverpool, meanwhile, returns to Molineux to face Wolves after a shocking 2-1 defeat in the Premier League. Captain Virgil van Dijk criticized the team’s performance, calling it “slow and predictable,” as Wolves secured their third league win of the season.#wrexham #phil_parkinson #ryan_reynolds #rob_mac #mansfield

Wrexham vs Chelsea FA Cup Quarterfinal Clash Sparks Excitement Wrexham’s pursuit of a fourth consecutive promotion remains on hold as they face a high-stakes FA Cup quarterfinal encounter against Chelsea at the STōK Cae Ras. The match, set to be broadcast live on ESPN, carries significant implications for both teams, with Wrexham aiming to secure a place in the next round and Chelsea seeking to avoid an unexpected defeat against a Championship side. Wrexham, currently in a playoff position in the league, are looking to build on their recent three-match winning streak, including a dramatic 5-3 victory over Ipswich. A win against Chelsea, a club competing in the Champions League, would not only bolster their chances of promotion but also enhance the morale of the Hollywood-owned club, which has become a focal point of Welsh football. The hosts are eager to capitalize on their momentum and extend their successful run in the competition. Chelsea, led by manager Liam Rosenior, enter the match following a resounding 3-0 victory over Aston Villa, a team in the top four of the Premier League. The Blues have already eliminated two Championship clubs—Hull City and Charlton Athletic—in their FA Cup campaign this season, and Rosenior aims to add a trophy to his first year at Stamford Bridge. However, Wrexham’s resilience and recent form present a formidable challenge. The match also holds historical significance for Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson, who previously guided Bradford City to an iconic FA Cup upset against Chelsea in 2015. Parkinson’s experience in orchestrating such a victory could prove crucial as he seeks to replicate that success against a team with a stronger squad and higher ambitions. With both sides vying for progression, the clash promises to be a thrilling encounter.#wrexham #phil_parkinson #chelsea #stk_cae_ras #liam_rosenior

Wrexham's FA Cup clash with Chelsea sparks excitement as promotion push continues Wrexham captain Dominic Hyam has described Saturday’s FA Cup fifth-round match against Chelsea as an “amazing distraction” from the club’s pursuit of promotion, highlighting the significance of facing one of England’s top teams. The Red Dragons, managed by Phil Parkinson, have secured three consecutive Championship victories to solidify their position in the top six, aiming for a historic fourth consecutive promotion. Despite the focus on their league campaign, the FA Cup tie offers a unique opportunity to create more memorable moments for the club. Hyam, a summer signing from Blackburn, emphasized the value of competing against elite opposition. “It could be deemed as a distraction, but what an amazing distraction it is,” he said. “You want to play against the best teams and the best players. It’s what you work hard for, playing against Premier League teams in the FA Cup.” The 30-year-old forward, who scored his first Wrexham goal in the third round against Nottingham Forest, expressed hope that the club could one day achieve similar status as a Premier League team facing such challenges. The match against Chelsea holds special significance for Wrexham, as it marks another chance to etch their name into the club’s history. The team has already overcome a Premier League side this season by defeating Nottingham Forest in the third round, a feat that resonates deeply with the squad. Hyam recalled how manager Parkinson shared clips of the club’s past FA Cup triumphs, including the iconic 1992 upset against Arsenal when Wrexham was still in the Fourth Division. “Before the Forest game, the gaffer showed us a lot of clips on the history of Wrexham and some of the big games that happened here many years ago,” he said.#fa_cup #wrexham #dominic_hyam #phil_parkinson #chelsea