Phil Parkinson has singled out one of his summer signings for praise ahead of Wrexham’s return to Championship action.
With the summer transfer window now shut, Phil Parkinson can start to really work with his new squad, with Wrexham signing 13 new players this summer.
We’re only four games into the new season and Wrexham then signed three new players on deadline day alone, and with a few injuries in the team, we’re yet to really see what this new-look Wrexham squad can do.
Deadline day saw Ben Sheaf, Issa Kabore and Dom Hyam all arrive at the Racecourse, with Sheaf and Hyam arriving on permanent deals and Kabore on loan from Man City.
Wrexham have paid £6.5million for Sheaf who brings a wealth of Championship experience and quality to the side, and Parkinson is excited to see how the former Arsenal youngster fares in red and white.
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Phil Parkinson gives verdict on Ben Sheaf at Wrexham
Coventry City fans were gutted to lose Sheaf on deadline day. A central midfielder, the former Sky Blues captain has asserted himself as one of the Championship’s best central midfielders over the last few years, with 161 total appearances in the second tier, along with seven goals and eight assists.
Speaking to Leader Live ahead of Wrexham’s Championship clash with QPR on Saturday, Parkinson has given his verdict on Sheaf and his deadline day arrival at the Racecourse. The Dragons boss said: “Ben’s a class player and I’m looking forward to working with him.
“He’s someone we’ve been looking at for a while and like ever, negotiations can drag out. It wasn’t really until the Friday we felt we could start progressing the deal but it’s a new challenge for him after being at Coventry for several years.”
What Arsene Wenger once said about Ben Sheaf will excite Wrexham fans
If Sheaf’s experience and Parkinson’s verdict isn’t enough to excite Wrexham fans about the Englishman’s quality, then a previous review from legendary former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger should certainly help.
Sheaf eventually made two first-team appearances for the Gunners, though not in the Premier League. But back in 2017 when he was still on the books at Arsenal, then manager Wenger gave a sterling review of Sheaf’s quality.
Wenger said: “He’s always ahead of the game and his anticipation quality is absolutely huge. He has that kind of mental strength as well. A typical British way of handling things, facing the difficulties with a very cool and intelligent way.
“There is something in him that I believe will allow him to progress always. Because he analyses well what’s happening to him, he assesses well what is going on and that’s why I believe he will have a good career.”
With Parkinson having had time on the training pitch with Sheaf and everyone else, we could see Sheaf come straight into the starting XI against QPR this weekend.