Wrexham

A potential move to take the Championship play-offs down to eighth place would damage the competition's credibility, according to former Huddersfield, Stoke and Middlesbrough defender Tommy Smith.

The EFL board is set to discuss proposals to increase the number of teams in the end-of-season play-offs from four to six but Smith, who was promoted to the Premier League with Huddersfield via the play-offs in 2017 is not a fan of the idea.

"It's not for me - I think it suits teams who don't really have a chance to get in the top six," he told the BBC's EFL podcast 72+.

"From a credibility point of view the top six is there to be aimed at and you have to earn your place in it."

The play-offs were first introduced for the 1986-87 season where sides finishing third down to fifth were involved along with the team third-from-bottom in the top flight.

After two seasons the format was changed to be played out between teams finishing third to sixth in the second tier.

"To finish eighth in the Championship and potentially get promoted to the Premier League it just doesn't sit right with me," added Smith.

"Notoriously over the past years getting into the top six is tough and when you get in there after a long hard season it feels brilliant, so to make it a top eight it dilutes it."

Image source, Wrexham AFC

Wrexham have announced that initial work on the new Kop Stand at the Stok Cae Ras will begin later this month.

The club have appointed McLaren Construction Midlands and North under a Pre-Construction Services Agreement for the work.

Work on the new stand was originally due to begin in 2023 but was delayed because of what the club called "additional complications".

Revised designs for the new 5,500-capacity Kop Stand were presented to Wrexham County Borough Council earlier this year, which were subsequently approved.

In July, the club submitted a further planning application for the installation of up to 2,250 further seats in the new stand.

That would take the potential capacity to 7,750 and take the overall capacity of the Stok Cae Ras to just over 18,000.

The new stand, along with other works planned at the stadium, will make Wrexham's ground fully compliant with Uefa category 4 stadium standards.

The work at the Stok Cae Ras, announced as one of the host venues for next summer's Uefa European Under-19 men's finals, is scheduled to be completed during the 2026-27 season.

Wrexham CEO Michael Williamson said: "The new Kop Stand will be the heart of the reimagined stadium - increasing capacity, enhancing the experience for fans, and anchoring our place in our home city and as part of the wider Gateway Partnership regeneration plans."

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Former Wales striker Iwan Roberts is struggling understand talk of Phil Parkinson being under pressure at Wrexham after their Carabao Cup win over Reading.

Nathan Broadhead's double saw Wrexham book their place in the fourth round of the competition for the first time since 1977-78.

It is now four victories in the past five matches in all competitions for Wrexham, who have won league games at Norwich City and Millwall and a second-round cup tie at Preston North End.

Their one defeat during that sequence was at home to Queens Park Rangers, after which one report claimed Wrexham's hierarchy were considering the future of manager Parkinson.

"They've won four of their last five games and people say he (Parkinson) is under pressure? That's bonkers," Roberts told BBC Radio Cymru.

"There's nothing better than winning games, it lifts confidence.

"Wrexham have a massive game at home to Derby on Saturday now as they are still looking for their first league win at home this season. Things are starting to click for Phil Parkinson and Wrexham."

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Manager Phil Parkinson felt "match-winner" Nathan Broadhead's brace for Wrexham against Reading was the perfect reward for the Wales forward after his "best week" in training.

After an injury-hit start, the 27-year-old ignited his Wrexham career with two goals in the second half against the Royals as the Red Dragons sealed their place in the fourth round of the EFL Cup for the first time since 1977.

And Parkinson says the 14-cap international deserved his time in the limelight, given he is carrying the weight of being the club's record signing and being from the nearby area on his shoulders.

"He's a match-winner, there's no doubt about that," said Parkinson.

"You could see in the first half he was probably trying a bit too hard.

"Second half we got him the ball and I think that's key, we've got to trust him with the ball and serve him in those pockets of space, because there's not many players that have got his quality.

"So I'm really pleased for him. It's always tough when you come to a new club, there's expectations on you, and not just that, your hometown club as well.

"I'm just so pleased for him. I felt last week in training was his best week since his injury and he's taken that into tonight's game with two really good goals.

"The first one's a real quality finish but the second one, that's a great header. That'll do him the world of good.

"I think everybody saw tonight, in the second half, when you give him the ball, trust him with it and he'll make things happen."

The 2-0 victory over Reading was Wrexham's fourth triumph in five matches across all competitions, while they kept a second clean sheet of the campaign in the process.

Image source, Rex Features

Wrexham face Reading in the EFL Cup on Tuesday, but the last meeting between the sides in March came amid a backdrop of turmoil and protests.

Reading fans protested against the club's then owner, Chinese businessman Dai Yongge, who had presided over a turbulent time for the Royals.

Yongge's controversial tenure came to an end in the summer when American businessman and lawyer Rob Couhig completed his takeover of the club.

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson, a former Reading player, said counterpart Noel Hunt and his team deserved credit for their efforts under difficult circumstances.

"Reading was a club in turmoil last year and Noel and his staff I thought did a great job to keep it going, they really did," Parkinson said.

"One thing Reading have had is a strong academy and they've produced a lot of players so through those times of turmoil; they've been able to give a lot of young players opportunities.

"Sometimes in financially difficult periods it's the young players who keep the club going.

"So yes, pleased the club's been taken over and they're looking to build back because Reading's another club who've been in the Premiership a couple of times and can see themselves at the very least a top Championship side."

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Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson took time out from preparations for Tuesday's EFL Cup tie against Reading to visit the Wrexham Miners Rescue Station, located a stone's throw away from the Stok Cae Ras.

Parkinson visited the community and education hub on what is a significant day in the area's history – the 91st anniversary of the Gresford Colliery disaster.

In September 1934, 266 men and boys died following a huge explosion about 1.3 miles (2.1km) from the bottom of the Dennis shaft.

Many had been working a double or extra shift at Gresford Colliery so they could have a day off to watch a Wrexham game.

"It's very important that those people who sadly lost their lives and all the families are remembered," Parkinson said.

"It's a tragedy which obviously impacted so many people.

"Those people who were affected will never be forgotten."

Flo Pollock
BBC Final Score reporter

Image source, Rex Features

Wrexham have spent big on attacking players this summer - Kieffer Moore, Josh Windass, Ryan Hardie and Nathan Broadhead are all proven at this level.

But the star of the show at Carrow Road on Saturday was the man on loan from Manchester City, Issa Kaboré.

Making his debut, he recorded two assists and caused Norwich no end of problems.

He's one of those wide players that always seem to find themselves in space.

His first assist, an inch perfect cross, swung into the Norwich box, too far out for the goalkeeper to claim but nicely behind the Norwich defence.

Josh Windass and company will feast on those types of crosses.

Wrexham will score plenty this season.

Whether they can keep the goals out at the other end remains to be seen, and that may ultimately define their success.

Image source, Rex Features

Josh Windass insists he was unaware of speculation about Phil Parkinson's future after helping Wrexham to a timely victory at Norwich City.

Wrexham's home defeat to Queens Park Rangers nine days ago prompted a report that the club's hierarchy were discussing Parkinson's position.

Parkinson's side responded to the QPR loss with a rousing win at Carrow Road – but experienced forward Windass said he knew nothing of stories surrounding the manager's future.

"I don't listen to anything outside the club," Windass said.

"We had only played five [league] games. I didn't know there was any talk of whatever you are talking about. I don't look at that sort of stuff."

Wrexham, who have won three successive promotions under Parkinson, are up to 15th in the early-season Championship table after beating Norwich.

They trailed to Jack Stacey's goal at half-time against the Canaries, but Windass struck twice – either side of a Ryan Longman goal – to secure three points, with Jovon Makama's late effort for the hosts counting for nothing.

"We know the quality we have got," Windass said.

"We have top players and we have shown that [against Norwich]."

Windass, who joined Wrexham in July after leaving Sheffield Wednesday, returned to action at the weekend after a hamstring issue.

He was one of seven summer recruits in Parkinson's starting side at Norwich, with Dom Hyam, Issa Kabore and Ben Sheaf and all making first Wrexham starts after arriving on transfer deadline day.

"The lads who have just joined were outstanding and the whole team were, so it wasn't really down to me," Windass added.

"Kabore was a threat all day and Sheafy in the middle and big Dom at the back [did well too]. I thought everyone was outstanding."

Wrexham are back in action when they host Reading in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday (19:45 BST).

Image source, BBC Sport

Wrexham returned to winning ways as they came from behind to earn an impressive 3-2 win over Norwich City at Carrow Road.

The victory lifted Phil Parkinson's side up to 15th place in the Championship table, so is this the moment where the club kick on?

And what do you think is achievable for the Red Dragons this season?

Have your say here

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Phil Parkinson says Wrexham pushed themselves "to the limit" to secure victory over Norwich City.

Jack Stacey put the hosts ahead at Carrow Road, but a brace from Josh Windass along with a Ryan Longman strike earned the visitors all three points in Norfolk - with Jovon Makama netting a late consolation for Liam Manning's side.

And Parkinson felt Windass - on his first appearance in more than a month following a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury - typified Wrexham's work off the ball against the Canaries.

"We pushed ourselves to the limit today to get that result," said the manager.

"Josh's work for the team out of possession was brilliant.

"That's what we've been speaking to the lads about. We've got quality, but we've got to work to get the distances right between the units all over the pitch.

"The home game last week [against Queens Park Rangers], we were just too open. We weren't at Millwall or Southampton but in the home game, certainly last week, we made it too easy for the opposition to play.

"Josh was great with quality moments to win games but I'm just as pleased with his tactical understanding of the role he was given today."

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Norwich City head coach Liam Manning welcomes Wrexham to Carrow Road this Saturday (15:00 BST) admitting their transfer spending shows they are in the Championship to compete.

Manning's side, looking for their first home win of the campaign, face the north Wales team whose summer outlay on 13 players was the biggest net spend in the EFL.

The new boys are still finding their feet in their unfamiliar surroundings, with one win and four points on the board from their first five games.

But, praising their rapid rise up the divisions, Manning says their ambition deserves respect.

"Spending money doesn't guarantee you anything," Manning told BBC Radio Norfolk.

"You look at numerous Premier League teams that spend fortunes and haven't always got better.

"And that's where, of course, they deserve a huge amount of credit - to get their promotions as quick as they have is an incredible achievement.

"They've done it in a different way to a lot of ways that other teams are working at the minute and - if you look at the last four years - they've signed players that are proven to be ready for their level or have performed at the level above.

"They have done no different this summer, and I think's a real clear indicator that they're here to compete and perform."

Manning says that approach – and a £33m transfer bill – will bring pressure, with Wrexham this week having to fight off speculation surrounding the future of manager Phil Parkinson.

And on the Dragons' boss, who has won six career promotions, Manning - whose side sit in 10th on seven points - added: "I can't speak highly enough of him and what he's achieved there.

"And even before, his career in terms of number of games, the success he's had, he's done an incredible job."

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Josh Windass says he was determined not to rush his injury recovery as he prepares to make his comeback for Wrexham at Norwich City on Saturday (15:00 BST).

The summer signing featured in each of Wrexham's first three matches of the 2025-26 season - scoring in the opener at Southampton - but sustained a hamstring injury in a 3-2 loss to West Bromwich Albion on 16 August.

But after more than a month on the sidelines, Phil Parkinson has stated the 31-year-old is available to feature this weekend as his side take on the Canaries at Carrow Road.

"You never want to start off with a little niggle like that," said Windass.

"It's not been as bad as I thought it was at the time. Hopefully I can come back now and get a consistent run of games.

"I didn't play any matches in pre-season, being at Sheffield Wednesday and the difficulty that was there, so I didn't play any games so I came straight into this season so that's a little reason why I've done it.

"But I've had good training now and touch wood I can be fine.

"I probably could have been involved in the last few games. But I'm experienced now and it's probably been best to let it heal properly."

Wrexham sit 21st in the Championship table having claimed just four points from a possible 15 at the start of the campaign.

And having watched on from the sidelines of late, Windass says Wrexham must swiftly improve defensively given the ruthless nature of the opposition in the second tier.

"The results have not really gone on our way," added Windass.

"The attacking play has been really good, I just think we need to be a bit more compact because at this level you can't really get away with the chances you're giving up. From now until the end of the season we need to shore that up."

Norwich City will seek to end their Carrow Road hoodoo as Wrexham head to Norfolk on Saturday (15:00 BST).

The Canaries have taken seven points from nine on the road after a battling 1-1 draw at Coventry last time out, but have lost both home games in the Championship and were also soundly beaten in the EFL Cup infront of their own fans.

Wrexham picked up their first win at this level in more than 40 years in their last game on the road at Millwall, but went down 3-1 at home to QPR last time out to remain among the early strugglers.

• Norwich City are unbeaten in each of their six games against Wrexham in the Football League, winning each of the last five (D1).

• This will be the first meeting between Norwich City and Wrexham since February 1982 in the second tier, a 4-0 win for the Canaries.

• Norwich City have lost their first two home league matches so far in 2025-26 – only in 2021-22 in the Premier League have they lost their first three home games in a season.

• Wrexham are looking to win consecutive away second tier league games for only a third time, also doing so in August 1978 and December 1980.

• Josh Sargent has netted 33 goals in 50 home Championship matches for Norwich City. Since 2004-05 – and including play-offs – the only player to net more times in his first 50 home Championship games is Dwight Gayle (37).

Image source, Getty Images

Josh Windass and George Thomason are set to boost Phil Parkinson's options when Wrexham visit Norwich City on Saturday.

Forward Windass (above) has been sidelined after suffering a hamstring injury in Wrexham's home defeat to West Bromwich Albion in the opening week of the season.

Midfielder and fellow summer recruit Thomason (below) is yet to play for his new club having picked up a thigh problem in pre-season.

"Those boys have been great this week - it's great to have them back in the fold," said Wrexham boss Parkinson.

Windass, 31, joined Wrexham after leaving Sheffield Wednesday as a result of their financial problems.

He scored 13 goals for the Owls last season and has already opened his Wrexham account courtesy of an opening-day penalty at Southampton.

"Josh is a very talented player but he works for the team as well," Parkinson said.

Image source, Getty Images

"I think that's key that front players. Defending starts from the front. He's good at that. His physical data backs it up."

Thomason, 24, joined Wrexham from Bolton Wanderers for a fee of more than £1m.

Parkinson reckons the former Wanderers captain "is going to be a strong player" for his new club once he gets up to speed.

"We had to take him out of the firing line, get him fit, work with him on the grass," Parkinson added. "The medical team have done a great job with him."

Parkinson could also give a first start to Ben Sheaf at Norwich after his move from Coventry City, while two more new faces, Dom Hyam and Issa Kabore, are pushing to make their debuts.