Wrexham are back in action on Thursday night as Phil Parkinson takes his side to face rivals Shrewsbury Town.
Wrexham players will have enjoyed a chance to recharge after the festive period.
By the time Wrexham take to the pitch against Shrewsbury Town, there will have been an almost two-week break for Phil Parkinson’s squad.
Wrexham’s clash with Port Vale was postponed in the EFL Trophy, handing Parkinson a free midweek.
Wrexham’s trip to Reading had already been cancelled, providing a welcome break after such a busy period of the season.
Shrewsbury Town begin refresh ahead of Wrexham clash
Next up is a big game as Wrexham travel to take on rivals Shrewsbury Town.
Jack Marriott has learned about the Wrexham v Shrewsbury rivalry and scored against the Shrews in a 3-0 win at the STōK Cae Ras earlier this season.
Wrexham now head away to New Meadow and will be looking to secure a big win.
Whilst Wrexham are chasing promotion, Shrewsbury are mired in a relegation battle and sit eight points adrift of safety.
With this enormous game against Wrexham just days away, Shrews boss Gareth Ainsworth had started something of a cull.
Loanees Charles Sagoe Jr and Joshua Kayode have been sent back to Arsenal and Rotherham United respectively whilst midfielder Jordan Rossiter has been loaned to Oldham Athletic.
Those three players joined Shrewsbury last summer, so Ainsworth clearly isn’t happy with the squad he has inherited.
Ainsworth may hope to bring a few players in before facing Wrexham but, as things stand, the Shrewsbury squad appears a little lighter heading into Thursday’s game.
- READ MORE: Phil Parkinson sends Wrexham transfer message with agents ‘very active’ over potential deals
Shrewsbury chase former Wrexham defender
One player Shrewsbury may look to bring is Theo Vassell.
Yes, the former Wrexham defender is on the Shrewsbury radar according to a report from Football Insider.
Vassell joined Wrexham from Port Vale back in 2019, signing a one-year deal under Dean Keates.
Vassell racked up 31 appearances four goals in the National League but departed for Salford City as Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds completed their Wrexham takeover.
The defender could have played a key role in this Wrexham rise but instead made more than 100 appearances for Salford before joining Barrow last summer.
Still a threat going forward, the centre back is now wanted by Shrewsbury and if they can get a move on with a deal, he could even line up against Wrexham this week.
Bristol Rovers and St Mirren are also thought to be keen on Vassell and his situation is one to keep an eye on this week as Wrexham prepare to take on Shrewsbury.