Credit: georgedobson4 Instagram
George Dobson had never played Championship football when Phil Parkinson named him in the starting eleven on the opening day of the season. The midfielder’s entire career had been spent in League One and below, but Wrexham backed him anyway. Every appearance since has vindicated that decision.
Dobson knew the Southampton fixture at St Mary’s represented his only chance to prove Parkinson right. Wrexham lost 2-1, but the 28-year-old’s performance earned him a permanent place in the side. He has started every league match since.
His route to the Championship took him through Charlton, AFC Wimbledon, Sunderland and Walsall. None of those clubs gave him the opportunity Wrexham offered, and Dobson understood what that meant.
Dobson recognised the stakes immediately
“When I got the opportunity to play in that first game, I knew this was my chance to try and show how I can play at the level,”
Dobson said. His awareness of the moment reflects why Wrexham identified him in the first place.
The club could have pursued midfielders with proven Championship pedigree. Instead, they targeted a player whose League One consistency suggested he possessed the mentality to step up. Dobson’s unbroken run of starts proves that assessment was correct.
“The gaffer has put his faith in me and I am just trying to repay that and show everyone that I am good enough to play at the level, which so far I think I am doing.”
He said. That self-belief matters as much as any technical ability at this level.
Internal competition maintains Dobson’s standards
Wrexham’s midfield depth means early-season form guarantees nothing. Dobson recognises that reality shapes his approach to every match and keeps him focused on maintaining the standards that earned him his place.
“You know you have got to be on your A-game every week because otherwise you just won’t play,” he said. That pressure exists because the club’s ambition demands it from every position.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Championship has delivered everything Dobson expected from it. “Every game is a top game in unbelievable stadiums against massive clubs so it has been really enjoyable,” he said. His appreciation for the opportunity shows why Wrexham’s recruitment team trusted him with it.
Dobson’s seamless adaptation validates Wrexham’s approach to building a Championship squad. Character and hunger outweigh decorated CVs when identifying players who can handle the step up. The midfielder has proved that principle works.
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