Wrexham are eight games away from a potentially historic feat of three successive promotions.
Phil Parkinson will know better than any manager that there is still a long way to go for Wrexham in their hunt for League One promotion and starting with Exeter, there will be no easy games for the Red Dragons.
Paul Merson favours Wrexham’s fixtures given that Wycombe still have to play six of the top nine teams in the division but at this time of the campaign all teams are fighting to achieve their goals.
Matty James has proved doubters wrong with his recent performances on the pitch and the excellent Eoghan O’Connell has also displayed some colossal performances. Parkinson knows he will need to lean on his experienced players.
Phil Parkinson praised James McClean’s leadership qualities
James McClean took the captain’s armband from the departing Ben Tozer at the start of the season and has risen to the occasion in his 34 league appearances so far.
Speaking to BBC Sport in August 2024, Parkinson praised the leadership qualities of McClean and how he was at the ‘forefront’ of his plans moving forward.
Parkinson stated: “James has got the armband. Like a lot of managers say when they get asked questions about captains, we have a group of senior players whom I speak to.
“James is at the forefront of that because he’s got great experience and has got real leadership qualities, not just on Saturdays, but during the week in training. It’s great to have a player of Jimmy’s experienced, who has captained his country, leading Wrexham.”
Parkinson should consider dropping McClean for Ryan Barnett
Despite his experience and leadership, McClean was poor in the Wrexham player ratings vs Stockport and was perhaps fortunate to stay on the pitch after a number of fouls whilst on a yellow card.
The Wrexham skipper has failed to make an impact going forward in recent weeks and was often caught out defensively during the clash against Stockport.
Ryan Barnett currently leads the way in terms of assists in League One and has been dropped from the side in favour of Ryan Longman.
With winnable games coming up against teams that may defend deep and the emphasis on Wrexham being more attack minded, Parkinson should consider playing Barnett from the start and moving Longman to the left wing-back role.
McClean’s experience in the dressing room and coming on as a substitute will be still be invaluable however, his impact from the start is beginning to diminish and it is time for some fresh ideas.