Wrexham take on Stockport County in League One this weekend as Phil Parkinson locks horns with Dave Challinor once again.
Wrexham now sit second in the League One table with the end of the season now in sight.
Phil Parkinson watched on as Wrexham beat Wycombe Wanderers 1-0 on Saturday afternoon.
That result took Wrexham above Wycombe and into the automatic promotion spots in League One once again.
Wycombe are in action against Rotherham United on Tuesday night but Wrexham don’t play again until facing Stockport County this weekend.
Saturday’s match-winner Sam Smith is looking forward to a full week of training ahead of facing Stockport as Wrexham look for another big win.
- READ MORE: Phil Parkinson shares his clear dressing room message straight after Wrexham beat Wycombe Wanderers
Stockport County ace Nick Powell snubbed Wrexham transfer
Wrexham and Stockport have been on a journey through the leagues together and are now battling for promotion once again.
County’s Callum Connolly has talked up the Wrexham rivalry this season and Saturday’s meeting promises to be another big one.
With the two clubs almost matching either stride for stride in recent years, some players were always going to be wanted by both sides.
Nick Powell found himself in that boat in 2023 as he departed Championship side Stoke City.
The former wonderkid made headlines after signing for Manchester United for up to £6million in 2012, as noted by BBC Sport, but struggled to live up to his potential.
Powell was in demand almost two years ago though as both Wrexham and Stockport came calling.
Speaking to Sport Bible in 2023, Powell admitted having a ‘really good chat’ with Wrexham as he pondered a move to the STōK Cae Ras.
Powell chose Stockport in the end though and vowed to stand by his reasons for that decision, even if he didn’t make them public.
“I had a chat [with Wrexham],” said Powell.
“It was a really good chat. I’d never say anything bad about somebody that showed interest in me. I think that’s just nice within itself. The conversation was good. I’ve got my reasons [joining Stockport]. And I still stand by them,” he added.
Powell went on to win the League Two title with Stockport as both they and Wrexham clinched promotion.
Nick Powell may miss Wrexham clash
Powell was a regular for Stockport last season but this term has been much trickier.
The 30-year-old has made just four League One appearances this season – and all of them came back in October.
Powell has struggled with injuries this term and boss Challinor told Stockport’s official YouTube channel that he isn’t especially close to a return.
Powell may have an outside chance of making the bench but it sounds like he will miss out on a trip to the STōK Cae Ras.
Stockport still have plenty of quality players who can make a difference this weekend as Challinor looks to close the gap to Wrexham.