Sheffield United fixtures typify Wrexham’s journey

Phil Parkinson believes Wrexham‘s recent meetings with Sheffield United have typified the Red Dragons’ remarkable progress during his time as manager.

In January 2023, the Blades needed a 95th-minute equaliser to earn a 3-3 draw with Wrexham, then a National League side, in the FA Cup before winning the fourth round replay 3-1 thanks to two goals in added time.

But the two sides are now division rivals, and Parkinson’s side came from 3-1 down to beat Chris Wilder’s men 5-3 in the Championship on 26 December.

“The cup games were incredible days for us. The draw here and then we went to Bramall Lane and everyone thought our best chance had gone. We went so close to winning there against, at the time, a team top of the Championship.

“Then, over Christmas we played Sheffield United, and bearing in mind they were play-off finalists last year – we conceded goals in the early part of the game and came back really well.

The Blades currently sit 10 points adrift of the play-off places with just eight matches left to play in the regular season.

Wrexham were replaced in the top six on Wednesday night by Southampton who earned a 1-0 win against Norwich City to climb above the Red Dragons on goal difference.

But with one more match to be played prior to the March international break, Parkinson has called for an “almighty” effort from everyone connected to the club when his side travel to South Yorkshire.

“Ideally we would want Southampton to drop points, but they didn’t. But this weekend is about one almighty effort from all the squad, all the staff and all the supporters,” he said.

“This game takes us into a two-week break. It’s right up there, I feel, in terms of importance of games, not just this season, but since I’ve been here. I’ll always include the supporters in that.

“Bramall Lane is an amazing arena to play at. Their supporters will be vociferously behind the team and I know our supporters are going to play their part.

The Blades have won just one of their past five league matches to slip out of play-off contention of late.

But Parkinson – who was in Southampton’s academy with Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder – believes the Blades have made huge strides since the 58-year-old returned to the Bramall Lane hotseat earlier this season.

“Chris, it’s a bit strange that he didn’t stay there after last year. I don’t think anyone could quite work that out in football,” added Parkinson.

“But he didn’t, but they quickly got him back and obviously he’s got a lot of history there.

“I know Chrissy well. We were at Southampton together as kids and he’s always been a Sheffield United fan, even in those days.

“It’s the third time he’s been back there and he’s got them going again. When he took over, they were down the bottom and he’s had to reshape the team to a certain degree, but they’re a good side.