Wrexham analysing all aspects after tough start

Phil Parkinson has overseen three promotions during his time as Wrexham manager

Phil Parkinson says Wrexham have been analysing the make-up of their team as they bid to overcome a testing start to the 2025-26 season.

The Red Dragons have collected one point from their opening three Championship matches - with that coming from Saturday's 2-2 draw against Sheffield Wednesday in a game in which they led 2-0.

"All of us, we've got to improve, but there's lots of positives in terms of the attacking play in each game we've played," Parkinson said.

"We've got to look at the balance of the side and the shape of the team. Do we need to address that slightly? Do we need to look at a different profile of players within the make-up of the current shape?

"They're all things we're looking at as a staff and analysing what we've been doing.

"A lot of the reasons we've been creating chances and scoring is because of the shape and the expansiveness of the wingbacks. But we've also got to make sure that, when we come under pressure, how we need to adapt as a team - it's something we've been speaking about a lot."

Wrexham's sole competitive victory since gaining promotion from League One came against Hull City in the first round of the EFL Cup - with Parkinson's men beating the Tigers on penalties following a thrilling 3-3 draw in regular time.

They face unbeaten Preston North End in the second round at Deepdale on Tuesday night (19:45 BST) but will be without summer signings Liberato Cacace and Nathan Broadhead - although striker Kieffer Moore will be assessed before the contest with Paul Heckingbottom's side.

"Libby {Cacace] is on the grass today but tomorrow will come too soon for him," said Parkinson.

"Kieffer, his ankle has settled down again so we'll look at him tomorrow.

"Nathan Broadhead's got a bit of a tight calf and we have to be cautious with players because the ones who have come in and been at other clubs have picked up little niggles, some worse than others with George [Thomason] and Josh [Windass], so we've got to be careful with Nathan, but he'll get there."

Parkinson has overseen a significant squad overhaul since sealing what was a third successive promotion for the club under his tutelage.

A total of 10 players have moved to the Stok Cae Ras, with others expected to depart prior to next Monday's transfer deadline.

And Parkinson remains hopeful of further bolstering his options in the final week of the summer window.

"There's a week left to put some finishing touches to the jigsaw we've been trying to piece together," he added.

"We know how we want it to look but we're not quite there yet. Hopefully by next week we'll have the squad how we want it."