Wrexham fans have been left shocked at Phil Parkinson’s team selection for the Southampton game.
The Red Dragons have travelled to St Mary’s to kick off their 2025/26 campaign.
Wrexham were underdogs against Southampton, with many backing the newly promoted side to lose.
However, Phil Parkinson has added eight new signings already this summer, and several of them were included in the squad to take on the Saints.
But one selection choice made by the manager on August 9 has caused much shock from fans.
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Wrexham fans react to Danny Ward starting vs Southampton
Arthur Okonkwo had a mixed pre-season with Wrexham and was dropped against Southampton.
Former Leicester City man Danny Ward has been selected between the sticks, and fans are pretty baffled.
One fan wrote: “Danny Ward? Really?”
A second replied: “Ward starting wasn’t on my bingo card….”
“Danny Ward stinker guaranteed,” a third responded after seeing the line-up.
A fourth tweeted: “Not convinced by Ward over Okonkwo. Dobson & James in midfield together at this level might get very exposed too!”
Another fan then claimed: “Insanity to drop Arthur.”
“Shocked, honestly. Never saw Barnet or Ward, thought we’d see McClean too,” added a sixth.
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New Wrexham captain selected vs Southampton
James McClean was Wrexham’s captain for much of 2024/25 but he did not start on Saturday.
There was some belief the experienced Conor Coady could be handed the armband instead.
However, Parkinson has opted to make Matty James the on-field captain for the Southampton fixture.
On another note, Kieffer Moore’s squad number has been confirmed as 19, while Josh Windass has been awarded the number 10.