Parkinson Interview. Credit: Wrexham AFC
Phil Parkinson has urged his Wrexham players to harness the energy of the Racecourse Ground again when Norwich City visit on Saturday, as the club looks to extend an unbeaten home run that has become a defining feature of their Championship season.
The manager reflected on a “memorable night” that earned Wrexham a home tie with Ipswich Town in the FA Cup, but quickly turned focus back to league duties and the test that Norwich present. Parkinson said his side’s resilience and connection with supporters at home have been key to their recent success.
Parkinson on Wrexham’s fortress form
Parkinson said that maintaining his team’s intensity in front of their own supporters remains crucial. He pointed to how Wrexham’s spirit under pressure has grown into a hallmark of their home performances this season.
“It’s about creating that intensity level again this weekend against Norwich,” he said. “The lads relish playing here. We were three-one down against Sheffield United but there was still a positive feel in the ground, and the lads responded to that.”
He credited both players and supporters for fostering a belief that carries through difficult spells. “Whether we’re winning or losing, we’ve got to keep believing in ourselves,” Parkinson said. “There’s just a real never-say-die attitude at the club.”
“The Forest game showed it again. Some of the effort in extra time, from lads who’d already played 120 minutes, was outstanding. That’s what we’re all about, drive, determination and pure desire.”
Injury updates and squad options
Ollie Rathbone is being assessed for a tight groin, while Matty James and Max Cleworth have returned to training following minor issues. Parkinson confirmed that the midweek friendly at Liverpool helped several squad players regain sharpness.
“We had a great game against Liverpool on Tuesday,” he said. “The effort and the work rate were excellent. Some of the young lads came in, supported by the older boys, and the club was represented really well.”
Goalkeeper Callum Burton impressed in that game, while Danny Ward remains on the verge of returning after injury. Parkinson added that the coaching staff will “pick the right team” for a busy run of three games in seven days.
Embed from Getty ImagesKieffer Moore has also trained after returning from international duty with Wales and is pushing for involvement this weekend.
Loan moves and squad balance
Parkinson addressed potential loan exits for players seeking regular minutes. Elliot Lee is among those looking to secure a temporary move to gain game time, while Paul Mullin’s situation is under review.
“Elliot wants to go on loan and get some game time, so we respect that,” Parkinson said. “There was a club close to agreeing a deal, but they’ve gone elsewhere for a different profile of player. I’m sure there’ll be other clubs looking at him.”
He noted that squad depth gives Wrexham flexibility ahead of the busy schedule. “We’ve had a good week of training,” he said. “The praise after Friday was nice, but we know what got us there and what we need to keep doing.”
A different Norwich test
Parkinson expects a far sterner test than when the sides met earlier in the season. Norwich, now under new management, have shown improvement in recent weeks and will present a tactical challenge.
“They’ve tightened the team up,” Parkinson said. “Since the new manager came in, they’ve gone mid-table and obviously improved. They’ve got good players, so it’ll be a full-on, competitive Championship game.”
He added that while the FA Cup run has brought excitement, league focus remains paramount. “The Cup is a bonus for us,” he said. “We move on to the next block and start with Norwich on Saturday.”
Looking ahead
After a demanding festive schedule and 120 gruelling minutes against Nottingham Forest, Parkinson said the recent rest period came at the right time. The squad, he added, looks physically stronger heading into the weekend.
“We needed it physically,” he said. “After the Christmas period and that Forest game, it was good to recover. As the week’s gone on, everyone looks sharper. Now we’ve just got to pick the right team to get a result.”
With belief growing and the Racecourse Ground once again braced for another fierce contest, Parkinson’s message is clear: the attitude that carried Wrexham through cup heroics must now help them pick up another Championship result.
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