Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson may have already made up his mind over one previously crucial player who was dropped to the bench against Norwich City.
Phil Parkinson’s Wrexham have their second win of the 2025/26 Championship campaign, having overturned Norwich City on their travels.
Wrexham showed grit and determination to come from a one-goal deficit at half-time, with Josh Windass bagging a brace, while Ryan Longman opened up his account for the Championship season with a goal.
Away from the goalscorers, Wrexham summer signing Issa Kabore shone on the right flank, while Ben Sheaf was also praised for playing his part in Windass’ first goal with a phenomenal ball across to the Man City loanee.
Sheaf made a significant difference in the centre of the park, but his showing will have a downside for one Wrexham teammate who will now surely no longer be crucial to Parkinson’s plans.
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Wrexham midfielder Matty James may struggle for game time after Ben Sheaf performance
Ben Sheaf has already hit the ground running at Wrexham, which will be music to the Red Dragons’ fans’ ears.
However, this will likely have a knock-on effect on Matty James’ game time, despite him starting the season brilliantly with Wrexham.
James played a crucial role in Wrexham’s first win of the Championship season against Millwall, where Phil Parkinson said: “The biggest lesson we’ve learned is that when leading in games, you have to keep the ball.
“At this level, the ball just keeps coming back, and it is wave after wave after wave of attacks. We spoke to Conor Coady and Matty James. To say they’re the players we need to get control of the ball. We did that a lot better today.”
James had started every Championship game, including picking up the captain’s armband on two occasions, for Wrexham, but his appearance against Norwich City came from off the bench, which could be a sign of things to come.
Phil Parkinson should not dispose of Matty James
While the start to the season for Wrexham has sparked difficulties, Matty James has been a consistent performer in the centre of the park so far.
It is understandable for him to be replaced by Ben Sheaf because of the quality that the former Coventry City man possesses, but James should continue to be an integral part of Phil Parkinson’s plans.
With 253 Championship appearances to his name in his career, James boasts the experience needed in the centre of the park, and while starts may become more difficult to come by for the former Bristol City and Leicester City star, he should still play a significant role from off the bench.
Unlike at the start of the season, Parkinson now has no concerns regarding midfield depth and now has many options to choose from.