Phil Parkinson deserves huge credit for getting some huge calls right in recent weeks and one of those has worked wonders for Wrexham.
Wrexham are gearing up for a second consecutive promotion after winning the National League title last term.
With 11 matches left to go in League Two, the Reds occupy third position in the table, three points behind leaders Mansfield Town.
Phil Parkinson’s men are entering a pivotal period of the season and this is where his tactical decisions will be noticed the most.
In the 4-0 victory over Accrington Stanley, it was his move to play Ollie Palmer alongside Paul Mullin that worked wonders for Wrexham, but there is one other decision that has proved pivotal in recent matches.
James McClean is thriving as a central midfielder
During the peak of his powers, James McClean was a pacey winger who thrived from beating his man on the outside and delivering tantalising crosses into the box.
Now, at the age of 34, the former Wigan Athletic star has mainly utilised as a left wing-back, but in recent matches, Parkinson has played him as a central midfielder and it has worked a treat.
Operating alongside Andy Cannon and Elliot Lee in the engine room, the decision to move him into midfield against Accrington proved to be an inspired one as McClean’s relentless pressing saw him win the ball from Dan Martin and slide the ball onto Paul Mullin, who took aim and fired in his second of the afternoon.
Although McClean isn’t naturally a central midfielder, it’s a position that has given him a new lease of life, starting there in three of Wrexham’s four matches and having a greater creative influence.
With the veteran moving into a central area, Parkinson has been able to use Jacob Mendy as a left-wing back.
Jacob Mendy has looked dangerous for Wrexham
After playing regularly on the left side of defence last term, Mendy has had to bide his time for opportunities in his natural position in League Two, but this tactical tweak has seen him take that chance at left wing-back.
The 27-year-old has looked “dangerous”, as described by Parkinson in the win over Accrington and he’s weighing in with contributions in the final third.
Mendy has five assists to his name this season, the third-highest total in the Wrexham squad, so it just shows he can have a creative influence on proceedings.
And luckily, moving McClean into midfield has benefitted him just as it’s benefitted the Reds.