Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson praised Ben Sheaf after the midfielder made his first start since February during the crucial 2-1 Championship victory over Southampton.
Phil Parkinson was happy to have Ben Sheaf back in Wrexham AFC’s starting line-up for Saturday’s exciting 2-1 Championship win against Southampton.
It was Sheaf’s first start since February after a tough run of calf, knee, and shoulder injuries. He played 65 minutes at the STōK Cae Ras before Matty James came on, as Wrexham made sure to ease him back in.
The 28-year-old brought more calm and control to midfield as Parkinson’s team bounced back from their heavy 6-0 loss to West Ham United. took the lead in the 35th minute when Kieffer Moore rose highest to head Ben Whiteman’s corner beyond Southampton goalkeeper Daniel Peretz. James Ward-Prowse equalised shortly after the interval, but Keven Schlotterbeck’s late own goal secured an important 2-1 victory for the hosts.
Southampton had a lot of the ball, but Sheaf’s positioning and experience helped Wrexham stay in the game. He handled pressure well, protected the defence, and linked up play, showing why Parkinson values him so much.
“Ben Sheaf, I’m so pleased with him today,” said Parkinson.
“We looked at the data. The medical team and the sports science team did a presentation about where he was physically and compared it to the last time he played his first full game against Norwich away.
“We felt it was comparable for 60 to 65 minutes and he showed what a class player he is.”
Wrexham’s medical and sports science teams checked Sheaf’s fitness closely before letting him start. Their review showed he could safely play about an hour.
Sheaf first hurt his medial ligament during February’s 5-3 win over Ipswich Town. The injury kept him out of Wrexham’s play-off run, but he returned as a substitute on the last day of the 2025/26 season against Middlesbrough. His campaign was subsequently disrupted by a calf complaint and another knee-ligament setback. A shoulder problem added to the midfielder’s difficulties and delayed his return to full fitness.
Sheaf came on briefly as a substitute during Wrexham’s big loss at West Ham, before getting his first start in seven months against Southampton.
The former Coventry City captain joined Wrexham in September 2025, adding valuable Championship experience to Parkinson’s squad. His defensive skills, passing, and leadership made him a key player before injuries cut his first season short in North Wales.ven the demands of the Championship schedule and Wrexham’s other injury concerns.
Sheaf’s return gave Parkinson’s side a much-needed boost. The midfielder still needs more game time to get fully fit, but playing 65 minutes in a tough Championship match was a big step forward.
Wrexham’s late win was the perfect way to mark Sheaf’s comeback. After months of injury struggles, he finally made a real impact in a victory and reminded fans of the quality he brings to Parkinson’s midfield.
