Wrexham will need to use all of the experience they have at the club in order to get over the line in their quest for promotion.
Phil Parkinson has managed over 1000 games at various clubs and knows that he will have no better opportunity to get Wrexham out of League One and into the Championship.
Aaron Mclean backs Wrexham to gain promotion but it will be no easy ride and the next eight games will provide twists and turns for everyone involved at the Racecourse Ground.
Experienced players such as James McClean and Jay Rodriguez will be vital to Parkinson and another Wrexham veteran with Premier League experience has really stepped up in recent weeks.
Matty James ‘proving people wrong’ with Wrexham performances
Matty James joined Wrexham in October 2024 having been released from previous club Bristol City and initially struggled to get up to speed for the Red Dragons.
James found it difficult to play alongside George Dobson as the pair had similar styles and it led to Wrexham being stifled in terms of creativity from the middle of the park.
However, in recent weeks both James and Dobson have been outstanding for the side and whilst the creativity problems have not disappeared both players are proving their worth to the team and helping to grind out vital wins.
As per BBC Sport, James wanted to ‘prove people wrong’ when he joined the Red Dragons and his performance in the 1-0 victory over Stockport more than achieved that feat.
James stated: “I want to prove people wrong. When I joined I had a lot of people who supported me, but a lot of doubters as well putting a bit of stigma on my age which I completely disagreed with. I know my capabilities… I know how my body feels and I know what I can do.”
The midfielder has featured 24 times this season already and contributed a goal and an assist, as well as experience and leadership on the pitch.
Phil Parkinson has managed James to perfection this season
Upon his arrival at the club, Parkinson was fully aware of the need to manage the amount of football that James played, given the lack of first-team opportunities during the back end of his time at Ashton Gate.
Speaking to BBC Sport back in November 2024, Parkinson stated: “”We knew we’d have to bring him off because we don’t want to get him injured – we need to protect him.”
The Wrexham manager will need to continue to do so in the final eight games in order to have his midfielder at full speed for the crucial run in.
If the Red Dragons can keep their nerve and continue to grind out results, then their day in the sun may just be around the corner and an historic third successive promotion on the cards.