Everything Phil Parkinson Said Ahead Of Wrexham Vs Middlesbrough: Sam Smith Injury, Squad Meeting And Attacking Options

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s game at the Racecourse, the Wrexham manager said his players watched the entire first half of their latest defeat together, with accountability and the team's standards central to the discussion.

Parkinson also provided updates on Callum O’Hare, Josh Windass and Nathan Broadhead, discussed the opportunity opening up for Bailey Cadamarteri and explained why he believes Wrexham can challenge the Championship leaders.

On reviewing the Sheffield United defeat

Parkinson confirmed that Wrexham’s preparations had included a detailed examination of what went wrong at Bramall Lane.

“Obviously, we sat down with the team and went through the first half in particular at Sheffield United, and what we feel we didn’t do and what we need to do better.

“I think there was a meeting which needed to take place, but that’s normal, and we move on to a home game tomorrow night.”

He was encouraged by the response after the interval, although it ultimately proved insufficient.

“The lads reacted well, tried to rectify what we felt we hadn’t done well enough in the first period, and showed good character, good responsibility. But it wasn’t enough to get us back in the game.”

On honesty and accountability within the squad

Rather than selecting individual clips, Parkinson wanted the group to watch the whole first half and understand the collective shortcomings.

“We sat down and watched the whole first half, and I think it’s important we did that because we can talk about accountability and what we did and what we needed to do.

“Quite often we show parts of a game, but I felt we needed to sit down and watch the whole of it as a group.

“There were some discussion points, as you’d imagine. But sometimes the door’s got to be closed and we’ve got to get some honesty within the group. I felt we did that, and it’s up to us now to respond tomorrow night.”

Asked how much the senior players contributed, Parkinson said he led the discussion.

“There were a few contributions, but it was mainly myself talking, so I wanted to get my points over.

“The senior lads here, I have a lot of dialogue with them throughout the week. That’s very important, that they’re sending our message onto the training pitch.”

On restoring Wrexham’s standards

Parkinson acknowledged that his side are falling short of where they want to be, but maintained that they have already demonstrated the required performance levels this season.

“We’ve got some good senior players who care a lot about the club. We’re not where we want to be. We know that, but we’ve got to dig deep.

“What’s important is that the performances reflect how the team has played over a number of years.

“I felt, for whatever reason, we weren’t anywhere near that in the first half at Bramall Lane.

“But, as I equally stressed, there have been a lot of games this season where we have reached those levels. We’ve got to look at the reasons why we didn’t, what we need to get back to, and we’ll see where that takes us tomorrow.”

On the response required against Middlesbrough

The manager pointed to Wrexham’s previous home performance as the benchmark for Wednesday evening.

“If we go back to the last home game, if we can get a performance to those levels, then we’ll have a really good chance of upsetting Middlesbrough tomorrow.

“I feel we’ve had a productive few days on the training ground. The lads know that it’s an important week for us with two home games.

“I’m pleased with how the lads have responded, but of course it’s all about responding tomorrow night at eight o’clock.”

While preparations are tailored to each opponent, Parkinson stressed that certain expectations remain constant.

“Every team has obviously got a different formation, different key players, different areas where they can be exploited or exposed.

“But there are always certain principles which need to be in place, which are similar every single game.”

On Middlesbrough’s strengths

Parkinson said he had watched Middlesbrough’s last two matches in person and was well aware of the attacking threat facing his defenders.

“I think the strengths are pretty obvious because of the goalscoring exploits at the top of the pitch.

“But that’s a great challenge as well. You look at a player who everyone’s talking about, we’ve sat down with our defenders and they know what he’s good at.

“Let’s have that concentration level tomorrow to take care of a player who’s obviously had a great start to the season.”

He also praised Middlesbrough’s response to their previous campaign’s disappointment.

“They’ve reacted well after the disappointment of the play-off final, and they’ve had a good start.

“But I just want to make sure that we concentrate on the principles and values we need to show tomorrow night.”

On why Middlesbrough are beatable

Despite recognising the visitors’ quality, Parkinson believes Wrexham have reason to be confident.

“Hackney’s gone. He was a very good player for them, but obviously they’ve spent the money wisely.

“We’ve had very tough games against them in the past. The last two league games were two draws.

“Obviously, the most important one was the last one of the season, where we probably had the chances to go and win it.

“They’re a good side, but they’re beatable. We’ve got to go into the game with resilience, of course, but an understanding of how the game’s going to look tomorrow.

“We’ve been detailing that to the lads this week, and now let’s see if we can put it into practice.”

On Sam Smith’s knee injury

The most concerning injury update involved Smith, who experienced significant swelling after the Sheffield United match.

“Unfortunately for us, Sam Smith has picked up a knee injury in the game at Sheffield, and it looks like he’s going to face a significant period on the sidelines.

“It’s a blow for us with Sam. He sees a specialist this afternoon at four o’clock, and we’ll know more then.”

Parkinson explained that the striker had initially been able to continue playing.

“He came off against Sheffield, as you know, and then went back on, carried on, and then his knee swelled up significantly the next day.

“We’ll just see how the appointment goes today. The initial thoughts are that he could need surgery, but we’ll know more after today’s appointment.”

No definitive recovery timescale was provided.

On Callum O’Hare’s availability

O’Hare remains under assessment after withdrawing from Wrexham’s preparations for the Sheffield United game.

“Callum was in the team shape, in the team on Thursday, and had to pull out, which of course was a blow for us because he’s a spark and he’s been good.

“He hasn’t had that real moment yet, but he’s been very close to it. I think his general play’s been good.

“We’ve just got to keep assessing him.”

Later in the press conference, Parkinson offered a more encouraging update, while stopping short of confirming his availability.

“Callum is a bit difficult to put a timescale on. He is feeling a lot better today. We’ll assess him again tomorrow.

“He’s a very determined character. He wants to play every minute of every game, but unfortunately things happen.”

On Josh Windass and Nathan Broadhead

Parkinson confirmed that Windass had not progressed as quickly as hoped, with swelling continuing to affect his ankle.

“We hoped for Josh, but he’s not made the progress that we thought he would. There’s still swelling in the ankle.

“As much as Josh has been running on the AlterG, the anti-gravity treadmill, we’ve got to try and take the pressure away from the ankle. It’s flared up.

“He’s not ready, basically. We can’t do anything more than what we’re doing to get both those players fit.”

Broadhead is expected to take a step forward in training, although Parkinson stressed the length of his absence.

“Broadhead will join in some part of the training on Thursday, but obviously he’s been out for quite a while.”

On Bailey Cadamarteri’s opportunity

Smith’s absence could create a more prominent role for Cadamarteri, with Parkinson confident the young forward is prepared.

“Bailey’s ready and chomping at the bit.

“With Sam’s injury, he’s going to get opportunities and more game time, which he’s been craving. But he’s trained well. He’s ready.”

Parkinson explained that regular conversations had taken place about the striker’s development and position in the squad.

“Bailey has found himself in that next-one-in scenario. But I’ve been speaking to him, and me and Steve have had a lot of sit-down chats with him.

“He’s brought his agent in for a chat, and we said: ‘Look, this is the situation. We brought you in as a young striker to work with you on the training pitch. You’ve done that. Great. Your moment will come.’”

The manager also noted that international appearances had helped Cadamarteri maintain playing time while waiting for further club opportunities.

On whether Wrexham could sign a free agent

Asked whether the attacking injuries might prompt a move into the free-agent market, Parkinson indicated that the priority is finding solutions within the squad.

“I think internally, really, because hopefully Josh, after the international break, will be back.”

He also stressed that injuries create opportunities for other players.

“That’s what happens in a football club. People come out of the side and other people say: ‘Come on, this is my chance. This is my chance to step up to the plate and show what I’m all about.’

“That’s the way football is.”

On George Thomason, Max Cleworth and Ben Sheaf

There was more positive news regarding players working their way back into contention.

“They’ve had a good week. Both got some game time on Friday, which was important for those two. Obviously, Sheafy as well, we’re building him up.

“Those three lads, to get their personality back in the group is brilliant. It really is. They’ve been missed.

“They’ve trained hard, they’ve needed to, but I feel they’re in a good place.”

On the Racecourse atmosphere

Parkinson believes the supporters can play an important role, but wants the team to provide the effort and intensity that brings the stadium into the contest.

“The Racecourse atmosphere is huge for us. I thought it was a great atmosphere again [against Preston]. It really was.

“There was a real intensity in the stands as well as on the pitch, and of course we need our supporters tomorrow.

“They know we’re a bit depleted. But we’ve shown grit and determination a lot of the time over these years, and that’s what we’re looking for tomorrow.

“We’ve got to fight tooth and nail, whilst understanding the tactical side of the game and what’s required.

“I want to really see that spark and effort and intensity in our play.”

Wrexham welcome Championship leaders Middlesbrough to the Racecourse on Wednesday night, with Phil Parkinson demanding a response following defeat at Sheffield United.

Sam Smith’s knee injury, which could require surgery, has disrupted preparations, while Callum O’Hare remains under assessment. Josh Windass is unavailable, and Nathan Broadhead is only approaching a partial return to training. Those absences could provide Bailey Cadamarteri with an opportunity.

Middlesbrough arrive having responded strongly to last season’s playoff final disappointment, presenting a significant test for Wrexham’s defence. However, Parkinson believes the visitors are beatable, with both league meetings last season ending in a draw.

With George Thomason, Max Cleworth and Ben Sheaf rebuilding fitness, Wrexham will hope home support inspires a sharper performance. Kickoff is scheduled for 8pm and live on Sky Sports.

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