Wrexham take on Shrewsbury Town tonight, and Phil Parkinson firmly understands the weight of expectations of the Red Dragons fans ahead of the derby game.
After almost a fortnight without a game — due to postponements and FA Cup scheduling — Wrexham are finally back in action and chasing three more vital points in League One.
Phil Parkinson’s men can go top of the table, for 48 hours at least, if they can defeat their rivals at Croud Meadow and send a real message of intent to the other teams in the promotion race.
There’s more than just three points on the line here, though, as Wrexham fans will tell you exactly how much it means to get a win over the Shrews, especially in their own backyard.
Phil Parkinson understands the importance of Shrewsbury game to Wrexham fans
In an interview with the club’s official website ahead of the Shrewsbury game, the Wrexham manager insisted his side will battle hard in the derby game on Thursday night, and have the intention of sending their fans back to Wales with smiles on their faces.
“Derby games are always special,” Parkinson said. “It’s about being ready to understand the importance of the game and what it means to the supporters.”
He added: “We’ll be ready to compete and fight for every ball all over the pitch. In games like this you have to play with a calmness as well. We want to send our supporters home in good spirits come Thursday night.”
Wrexham have to be ruthless vs Shrewsbury
This is the perfect game for Wrexham to get their away form sorted out and if they can shake off the rust and pick up three points against Shrewsbury, it’ll generate real momentum ahead of the must-win game versus Birmingham next week.
Anyone watching the Shrewsbury vs Wrexham game can expect a feisty and fiery affair, but it is one that the Red Dragons simply have to come out on top in.
Shrewsbury are struggling in the relegation zone right now, and have just lost one of their key players, Tom Bloxham, to Blackpool. Wrexham have to now compound the misery and be absolutely ruthless against their rivals.
Wycombe Wanderers won 4-1 away at Shrewsbury just last month, and Wrexham must replicate that kind of killer edge tonight.