Wrexham use a five-minute recovery strategy after matches; it has been a ‘game-changer’ in their bid to win promotion out of League Two.
In any walk of life, preparation is key and on their return to the Football League, Wrexham have flexed their financial muscles to be prepared in every department.
From investing in quality players in the transfer window to using state-of-the-art technology, the Reds are operating like a club higher up the pyramid.
In the January window, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds made a statement of intent by capturing Jack Marriott and Luke Bolton on transfer deadline day.
Whilst they haven’t made the greatest start to their Wrexham careers, it showed their ambitions of winning promotion this season.
It’s such ambition that has trickled across to other departments, including how Phil Parkinson’s players recover after matches.
Wrexham use a five-minute recovery strategy after matches
For a footballer, especially lower down the pyramid, recovery is vital to achieving optimum performance.
In the EFL, clubs will play a game on a Saturday or a Sunday and then one midweek.
It can be a draining schedule playing two matches in the space of four days and it can take its toll on smaller squads.
For many players, remaining hydrated after a game is one of the biggest issues, so Wrexham have put a strategy in place at the training ground that detects hydration.
According to the Athletic’s Richard Sutcliffe, Wrexham players undergo a simple urine test using a specified toilet contraption that will flash red, amber or green depending on the level of hydration.
He reports that this has been a ‘game changer’ in getting the players in the best shape possible for the next match as it only takes five minutes to test the entire squad.
Wrexham preparing right for matches
To become the best, you’ve got to prepare like the best and that is a saying that certainly resonates with Wrexham, who have made technological advancements this season.
Of course, recent results suggest that Parkinson’s side aren’t preparing well enough for the challenges ahead having won just two of their last nine matches in the league.
However, that is more down to the manager’s tactics and the players’ performances on the pitch rather than their recovery methods.
From the outset, it looks as though the Reds are doing everything right to prepare for games and whilst that hasn’t shown in their recent displays, Wrexham are heading in the right direction as a club.