Depth & transfers – Wrexham’s squad state of play

For the first time in 44 years, Wrexham were once again the entertainers as they drew a five-goal thriller to earn a spot in the EFL Cup third round against Preston North End.

The team’s significant overhaul, which has taken place over the past few months at the team that is rapidly expanding, was also highlighted by the 3-2 victory.

After Phil Parkinson completely overhauled his starting eleven, with fringe players having the chance to impress, the victory came at Deepdale.

Ins:

Ryan Hardie, Danny Ward, Liberato Cacace, George Thomason, Josh Windass, Lewis O’Brien, Conor Coady, Kieffer Moore, Nathan Broadhead, and Callum Doyle are just a few names.

Outs:

Wrexham’s staring lineup at Deepdale had a more conventional feel than what fans have seen so far this season, ironically.

The club’s progression up the divisions was largely influenced by Arthur Okonkwo, Dan Scarr, Eoghan O’Connell, Elliot Lee, George Evans, Ryan Barnett, and Jacob Mendy, who all played key roles in the development.

According to football statistics website WhoScored.com, Scarr recorded the most clearances of any player on the pitch (12), while Barnett recorded 10 as well as three tackles and an interception.

In a motivational display from the 23-year-old goalkeeper, Okonkwo made a stunning save to stop Michael Smith’s curling effort.

Callum Doyle made his debut for Manchester City after moving there and made a powerful contribution with a powerful pass that won fouls, clearances, blocks, and crosses in his final hour.

Callum Doyle deserves a special mention, said Parkinson, “because he was fantastic for us.”

Wrexham improved in the second-half against Preston after conceding the second goal on 32 minutes, in stark contrast to Saturday’s tense draw with Sheffield Wednesday.

Harry Ashfield, 19, did his Championship selection hopes no harm as he gained confidence after the first period and scored a crucial equalizer. Prior to the match, he stated his desire to “as many games as possible” this year.

Considering Wrexham’s signings, Ashfield is a welcome addition despite the academy’s recent signings.

Because of his consistent, high-quality training, Harry Ash deserves to be a member of the squad. He’s a fantastic lad, and he constantly improves, Parkinson said.

“He faced Alfie Devine, a very wealthy and highly-regarded young player.

What a test for you tonight, I told him before the game. Can the press then mention Harry Ashfield rather than Alfie Devine? and did that for 90 more minutes.

Moments of promise were displayed by Sam Smith and Ryan Hardie upfront.

Hardie scored the club’s first goal with a sublime equalizer that he modestly described as “decent” but which the manager applauded as “a top class action.”

In the final fifteen minutes of play, Parkinson made five substitutions, and Moore’s bravery and extravagance paid off with the most success.

The manager remarked, “The impact from the bench was brilliant, that’s something we’ve been talking about with the group.”

Other teams have had a better impact (from the bench) this season than we have. The changes helped us when we needed them the most tonight.

Prior to Saturday’s trip to Millwall (15:00 BST), Parkinson is still eager to add depth to his squad ahead of the transfer deadline on Monday. He may also make changes.

Jordan James, a Wales midfielder, has a lot of potential connections to a move to the Stok Cae Ras from French side Rennes, but he may need to sell players.

Strangely, Ollie Palmer, who scored two late goals in the first round against Hull City, was left out of the squad on Tuesday night.

However, Jacob Mendy, a left-back, appeared to be going to leave, so he could still play for Wrexham.