Credit - WrexhamAFC.co.uk
Sam Smith might finally get what he came to Wrexham for. The striker could be handed his first Championship start on Saturday against Ipswich Town, a moment that makes sense of his decision to join Phil Parkinson’s project in the first place.
Smith admitted this week in a interview that playing in the Championship was the reason he signed for Wrexham. His potential start at Portman Road is not just about covering for Kieffer Moore’s injury. It is about proving the move was right.
Wrexham head to Ipswich unbeaten in five games and sitting 13th in the table. Smith has already scored twice in the Championship this season despite limited minutes. Now he might get a full 90 minutes to show what he can do.
Smith’s Championship ambition clear from the start
Smith was direct when asked about his Wrexham motivation. “That’s why I came to this football club, to get promoted and play in this league,” he said ahead of the Ipswich clash.
He joined Wrexham knowing the Championship was the target. When the club delivered promotion last season, Smith got the level he wanted. The ambition was always to compete at this standard rather than settle for League One.
But opportunities have been limited with Moore leading the line. Moore has been Wrexham’s top scorer and the focal point of Parkinson’s attacking system. Smith has accepted that reality without complaint.
“You always want to be starting games, and that’s what you work throughout the week to do,” he explained. He has waited, trained, and taken his chances off the bench. Two goals already suggest he is capable when given time.
The learning process has been deliberate rather than accidental. “Kiefer’s been unbelievable for us, and it’s been good learning off him and watching him,” Smith said. That approach shows patience and professionalism rather than frustration at being benched.
Sam Smith acknowledged Moore’s importance to the team. “He’s a big player for the way we play,” he said. The respect is genuine, but Smith also knows his own chance will come if he stays ready.
Ipswich test could prove Smith belongs at this level
Moore’s injury doubt hands Smith the platform he has been working towards. “If I am called on, I’ll make sure I’m ready and do what I can do,” Smith said when asked about the possibility of starting.
The confidence is earned rather than assumed. Smith has shown he can impact Championship games in short bursts this season. His two goals prove he can finish at this level when opportunities arrive.
Embed from Getty ImagesA full match against opposition with recent Premier League experience will test whether he belongs in Wrexham’s starting plans long term. Ipswich competed in the top flight last season. They know what elite football requires.
Smith has faced them before and won. He beat Ipswich at Portman Road with Cambridge United in League One during the season Ipswich earned promotion. That experience gives him confidence heading into Saturday.
Smith was clear about the collective aim when discussing Wrexham’s ambitions. “We’ve got a great squad and we want to go as high as we can,” he said. His chance at Ipswich gives him the opportunity to prove he is part of that ambition rather than watching from the bench.
Wrexham’s form suggests they can compete at this level. Smith joined to be part of it. Saturday might be the day he shows exactly why the move made sense.
About The Author
