Wrexham

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Phil Parkinson says Matty James is still "a couple of weeks away" from a return to action as Wrexham welcome George Dobson back into their squad this weekend.

James has been absent since early February due to a toe injury while Dobson has missed his side's past three games due to suspension following a red card against Chelsea.

But Dobson is in contention to feature against Sheffield United on Saturday (15:00 GMT), although Parkinson praised January signing Zak Vyner for the role he has played in midfield of late.

"We've been short on bodies in that midfield, the harshness of the Dobbo decision," said the Wrexham boss.

"As much as everybody was on a bit of a high after the Chelsea game because of the performance, myself and the staff knew that it was another man down, but Zak has grown into the role as well.

"I think it's key to mention him again tonight and Dobbo gives us another option now."

James' return was delayed after he suffered a setback during his recovery and Parkinson remains unsure as to whether or not the 34-year-old will be available for Wrexham's trip to West Bromwich Albion after the international break on 3 April (15:00 GMT).

"Matty is still a couple of weeks away, obviously he's not going to be available for the weekend and he's still got the boot on," said Parkinson.

"We're just hoping the healing speeds up a bit and we can get him back out there as soon as possible.

"He's gone on a long period now without training or not being able to run. He's doing everything he can in the gym to get fit."

The Red Dragons take on Sheffield United this weekend in what will be their final game before the March international break.

Wrexham have typically responded well after losses during Parkinson's reign as manager and the manager says he will closely monitor the fitness of his players as his side look to get back on track following a 3-1 loss to Watford on Tuesday night.

"It's time to dust ourselves down, it's just about concentration levels on what we need to do at Bramall Lane," added Parkinson.

"It's a great opportunity for us to get back to winning ways before the international break.

"Dobbo comes back into the frame and gives us another option in that midfield.

"We'll look at everybody closely in these next couple of days and pick the team which is ready to go again."

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Former Wrexham captain Ben Tozer feels the Red Dragons must look forward and not back as they remain in pursuit of a Championship play-off place.

Phil Parkinson's men were beaten 3-1 by Watford on Tuesday, leaving them just three points clear of seventh-placed Southampton who have a game in hand.

"They've just got to look ahead and make sure they're looking up rather than behind them," ex-defender Tozer told BBC Radio Wales.

"The second you start looking over your shoulder and start worrying about what's behind you, you start to take your eye off what's really possible and what the potential is."

Wrexham were off the pace in the first half at Vicarage Road and fell two goals behind as Marc Bola and Edo Kayembe netted from counter-attacks.

The Welsh side improved significantly after the restart and made it 2-1 when Max Cleworth nodded Ollie Rathbone's corner into the net.

But Wrexham conceded another breakaway goal in the final minutes of the match through Edoardo Bove as their six-game unbeaten run away from home was brought to an end.

"In the first half, Sam Smith was probably a little bit too isolated," Tozer said.

"At half-time, he (Parkinson) brought on Josh Windass to go up top with him and occupy the two defenders a bit more. They got a lot of joy from it.

"Unfortunately it wasn't their night, but you know what they do every time, they always seem to bounce back with a good performance. Hopefully they'll get a result to back that up on Saturday."

Wrexham play one more match before the March international break as they take on Sheffield United on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

And Tozer expects Parkinson - who will have midfielder George Dobson back from suspension - to make changes at Bramall Lane.

"Watford made four changes from the weekend and Wrexham had the extra half a day of recovery and you start to think maybe they don't need to make as many changes," he added.

"Sometimes you just don't know what you're going to get from your body. Rathbone and [Nathan] Broadhead in that first half looked really flat.

"So, for me, I wouldn't be surprised if there are changes. What changes he'll make, I don't know, but he's got riches of talent on that bench and in the squad."

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There have been plenty of contentious decisions in the 2025-26 Championship season so far.

Offside goals given, perfectly good goals ruled out, red card offences missed, penalties not given, dubious spot-kicks awarded. You name it.

With the video assistant referee (VAR) only used for the play-off final, the outcome of every second-tier game in the regular season can hinge on how on-field officials see incidents in real time.

• Would you want VAR introduced for every league game in the Championship?

• If so, why?

• And if not, let us know your reasons.

You can share your thoughts on VAR here or comment below, and we will publish a follow-up article soon with a selection of your responses.

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Phil Parkinson says Watford's impressive counter-attacking ability proved to be the undoing of Wrexham as his side's six-game unbeaten away run was ended.

Marc Bola and Edo Kaymebe both struck from fast breaks in the opening half as the Hornets raced into a deserved lead at Vicarage Road.

They had to endure plenty of Wrexham pressure after the restart though, with Max Cleworth giving the away side a lifeline, although Edoardo Bove struck in added time to seal victory for Ed Still's men.

"It was just frustrating that both of the goals came from when we were in great positions around their box," Parkinson said.

"I thought we were brilliant second half. The ball just didn't drop for us to get that second goal, I felt it was coming.

"We had really good control in the game. From the first half when we were patchy in our play and made a lot of technical errors in the middle third of the pitch, that was eradicated from our game after the break.

"We were consistent in our play, we switched it well, got our wing-backs in some great positions, but we just couldn't find the moment to go and get the second goal which our performance deserved."

The Red Dragons remain sixth despite suffering a first away loss of 2026.

They sit three points clear of seventh-place Southampton - who have a game in hand - ahead of Saturday's trip to Sheffield United (15:00 GMT).

Despite losing for a second time in three league matches, Parkinson took plenty of pride in how his side performed in the second-half in Hertfordshire.

"Sometimes you're not at your best and for whatever reason, a few players' levels were below where they needed to be," added the Wrexham boss.

"But we need to hang in there a bit more and come through that unscathed and rectify things at the break.

"It's just frustrating, but I take a lot of heart with the way the lads responded in that second period. I thought we were excellent."

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Wrexham defender Dominic Hyam has been called up to the Scotland squad for their upcoming friendlies against Japan and Ivory Coast.

Hyam, 30, has only made one appearance for Scotland, against Norway in 2023.

The centre-back has impressed for Wrexham this season since joining from fellow Championship side Blackburn Rovers in the summer transfer window.

Hyam has started 36 of the Red Dragons' league matches this season and has captained the side in the majority of those games.

The former Blackburn and Coventry defender will have the chance to impress Scottish boss Steve Clarke ahead of the World Cup in June.

Scotland host Japan at Hampden Park on 28 March before taking on Ivory Coast at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium on 31 March.

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Midfielder Ollie Rathbone believes Wrexham have "smashed expectations" in their pursuit of a place in the Premier League.

The Dragons are looking to achieve four consecutive promotions from National League to Premier League by finishing in the Championship top six and reaching the end of season play-offs.

Phil Parkinson's side currently occupy sixth position in the table with nine games of the season to come, starting with a trip to Watford on Tuesday, 17 March (19:45 GMT).

"I think people forget at the start of the season, a lot of people said 'if we could just stay up or consolidate in the league', but I think the way the group has performed has smashed all the expectations, which is what this club has done over the last few years," said Rathbone.

"So, [it's] an incredible position, I think it's one we can really enjoy and just attack it. I think the Championship is renowned to be one of the most difficult divisions in Europe and to come up and conduct ourselves the way we are, I think it's a huge credit to everyone involved.

"We have nine games to go. I think we've already had a fantastic season, but we'll hopefully make it a really, really special one."

Rathbone has contributed seven goals for Wrexham this campaign since returning from a serious ankle injury in December.

He also says that his - and others' - experience of previous promotions can be a big help in their push for the top flight:

"It's huge. I think people say winning breeds winning and I think that's definitely the case for this football club and that's something we want to keep building on because that momentum is hard to find in football.

"Once you've got it, you've got to kind of bottle it and keep it for as long as you can.

"You don't want to get carried away but you also want to be fully aware that you've got a fantastic opportunity here and one that we would have all been desperate for at the start of the season.

"If someone would have said, with nine games to go, you'd be in the play-offs, every single person would have taken that I think."

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There's a big game in the Championship play-off race as Watford host Wrexham on Tuesday night (19:45 GMT).

The Hornets are 10th and now eight points adrift of the sixth-placed Red Dragons after a run of one win in four, going down 3-1 at Stoke on Saturday.

Phil Parkinson's men bounced back from a home defeat to Hull City with a 2-0 win over Swansea on Friday night and know a win would take them above the Tigers on goal difference and into fifth for the first-time this season.

It would also open a six-point cushion to the play-off chasing pack with just eight games to come after their trip to Vicarage Road.

• Three of the past five Football League meetings between Watford (W1) and Wrexham (W1) have been drawn, including the reverse fixture in December (2-2), with Ollie Rathbone netting a 92nd minute equaliser for the Welsh side.

• Wrexham have won on only one of their previous 10 Football League trips to Watford (D2 L7); a 2-1 victory in March 1975.

• Watford have lost three of their past five league games at Vicarage Road (W1 D1), as many defeats as in their previous 20 matches (W11 D6).

• After failing to win their final eight away league matches in 2025 (D5 L3), Wrexham have won five of their six away league games so far in 2026 (D1).

• Wrexham's Josh Windass has scored in his past two league games against Watford, netting at Vicarage Road for Sheffield Wednesday in May last season and in December in the reverse fixture.

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Nathan Broadhead says he is "proud" to be at Wrexham as the Red Dragons remain in the hunt to secure a play-off spot.

The Wales international netted his eighth goal of the season for the club as they beat Swansea City 2-0 at Stok Cae Ras to keep their top six Championship hopes firmly in their own hands.

And having already had a taste of top-flight action with former club Ipswich Town, Broadhead is now targeting a return to the Premier League during his time with Phil Parkinson's side.

"It just shows where the club's going. I'm proud to be here," he said.

"I think winning every game and getting Wrexham into the Premier League would be amazing, but it's just the process really that I'm enjoying."

Broadhead admits playing in the Premier League is a tough prospect.

"It is tough." he added. "But you know, them nights against Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, bringing that to the stadium would be amazing.

"I believe that if we get there, we could stay up. With the fans and everything, especially with the new stand going up, the atmosphere, I think Premier League teams will struggle [at Stok Cae Ras].

"We can't count our chickens as they say, but I'm here for four years and hopefully one day that would be the dream."

Following his side's matches at Watford and Sheffield United, Broadhead's focus will switch to Wales' World Cup play-off campaign.

The 27-year-old scoredd against North Macedonia on his most recent international appearance for Craig Bellamy's side - who face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the semi-finals at Cardiff City Stadium on 26 March.

The 17-cap attacker is now bidding to play a part under Bellamy as Wales look to secure their place at a second consecutive World Cup.

"I'm happy to do anything for the country really. But the main thing is to win both of them games and I'd be proud to get Wales to the World Cup. That would be amazing," he said.

And on his hopes of a club and country double over the coming months, Broadhead said: "I haven't done it yet, but I'm on track. That's the aim.

"It's a fairy tale, isn't it? But I just want to stay grounded and see what God says."

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Wrexham's home Championship fixture with Southampton will kick-off at 20:00 GMT on Tuesday, 7 April.

The contest at Stok Cae Ras was originally due to take place on Monday, 6 April but has been rescheduled due to the Saints' progress in the FA Cup.

Southampton - who came from behind to win the reverse fixture 2-1 on the opening day of the campaign - are currently seventh, three points adrift of Phil Parkinson's side with nine games of the regular season remaining.

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Phil Parkinson wants his Wrexham side to get back on the "front foot" against Swansea City having been blunt in attack for long periods in their defeat by Hull City.

The Red Dragons finished strongly against the Tigers but were ultimately beaten 2-1 at Stok Cae Ras on Tuesday having conceded either side of half-time.

Players were given the day off following the midweek loss, and Parkinson hopes that will benefit his squad as they prepare for a third game in just seven days when the Swans visit north Wales on Friday (20:00 GMT).

"When the games come thick and fast, sometimes we come in the next day but I think in this particular period it was right to give everybody a break and come back in and review the game together, which we've done," said the Wrexham manager.

"There's areas we could do better. I don't want to give too much away because it helps the opposition, what we've been working on this morning.

"The first 20 minutes (against Hull) I thought we did OK actually. We just didn't threaten enough.

"I like it when we're really on the front foot with our pressing and dynamic with the ball and look like we're going to create opportunities. That's what we've got to get back to."

Vitor Matos' Swans side came from behind to win the reverse fixture 2-1 at Swansea.com Stadium on 19 December, with Adam Idah scoring a late winner after an error of Arthur Okonkwo.

But, since Christmas, only Millwall have claimed more points per game than Wrexham in the Championship.

And Parkinson hopes his team can respond to the Hull setback in the same way they bounced back from their loss to Swansea three months ago.

"It was a bizarre way to lose a game [at Swansea], wasn't it? I think we can't hide away from that. But we've responded really well," Parkinson said.

"There was just a 20-minute period [against Hull] where we were frustrated with how we played.

"But in the bigger scheme of things, I think the lads have shown a great consistency, both individually and collectively, and we're looking to get back to that on Friday."

Luke Hemmings
BBC Sport Wales

Image source, Rex Features

Wrexham's 2-1 defeat to Hull City ended a four-game unbeaten run in the Championship and dented hopes of a fourth successive promotion.

But forward Davis Keillor-Dunn, who made just his second appearance since rejoining the Welsh club in February, felt the Red Dragons were beaten by a high-quality opponent.

"They're a really good side. They're up there for a reason," he said.

"You've got to be so well drilled in this league. We chucked everything at them and they kept everything out."

Nathan Broadhead's 76th-minute strike offered hope of a comeback after Hull took a 2-0 lead at Stok Cae Ras, but the Tigers held on to boost their promotion prospects.

Keillor-Dunn said defeat left him "a little bit gutted", but stressed that Wrexham deserve credit for winning three of their past four league games and going toe-to-toe with Club World Cup Champions Chelsea in the FA Cup last Saturday.

"We got one back and tried to get two. The boys have put so much into the last two games," he said.

"Sometimes you just have to give Hull credit, they held on and made it compact at the back."

With an all-Welsh contest against Swansea City coming on Friday, Keillor-Dunn says Wrexham remain in positive mood.

"I came to the club in January and I've got nothing but amazing things to say about this place," he said.

"We're going into every game thinking we can win the game, which is a massive, massive trait to have as a football team.

"We're going to rest up for the rest of the week and go again. The boys are unbelievable professionals in there and they'll be doing the right things to get themselves fit and ready for Friday."

Luke Hemmings
BBC Sport Wales

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Former Wrexham winger Waynne Phillips says the Red Dragons simply "weren't good enough" in their defeat to Hull City on Tuesday night, insisting a strong response is now essential.

Wrexham fell two goals behind just after the hour mark, with Welsh international Lewis Koumas extending the Tigers' lead.

But speaking to BBC Radio Cymru on Tuesday evening, Phillips believes the damage was done long before the second goal.

"Put simply, too many of them weren't good enough on the night," he said.

"We could see that from the first 10 to 20 minutes. The passing wasn't good enough, and we don't see that very often with Wrexham."

Nathan Broadhead did offer Wrexham late hope, scoring his sixth of the season in a finish reminiscent of Alejandro Garnacho's goal for Chelsea against the Welsh side on Saturday.

"The goal in the second half gave them a little bit of hope," said Phillips.

"But over the 95 minutes I don't think they deserved a point or anything else out of the game."

Despite the setback, Phil Parkinson's team remain firmly in the play-off positions, three points clear of Derby County and just six behind their opponents Hull.

Fellow Welsh side, Swansea City have surged into contention as well, and victory in Friday's all-Welsh clash (13 March, 2000 GMT) could move the Swans to within two points of Wrexham.

Phillips, however, expects a reaction in the derby from his former side: "That's what they do, when they lose games, they respond," he said.

"It's not going to be easy, just like the nine games that follow the Swansea match. But what a game it is to look forward to."

"Swansea had a great result at Portsmouth, and we saw how strong Portsmouth were here a few weeks ago. But I hope Wrexham will be able to respond after losing tonight."