Wrexham

Image source, Rex Features

George Dobson said Rob McElhenney's speech to Wrexham's players on the eve of their 2-1 League One win against Blackpool on Monday was "unbelievable".

Club co-owner McElhenney was in the away end as Phil Parkinson's side rose back up to second in the table courtesy of their impressive away victory combined with Wycombe Wanderers' 4-0 loss to Charlton Athletic.

In the aftermath of the contest at Bloomfield Road, Parkinson revealed Hollywood actor McElhenney spoke to his players prior to the game.

And in the build up to his side's crunch fixture with Charlton on Saturday (17:30 BST), Dobson opened up on the talk given by McElhenney.

"It was unbelievable," said the 27-year-old.

"The Wigan and Bristol Rovers games it maybe looked like we were a tad more cagey than we had been and [McElhenney] just said there's no pressure whatsoever, just go back to that 12-year-old boy and play as you would as a kid with your friends.

"It was a really inspirational, motivational speech and the whole group really bought into it."

Dobson says the impact was there for all to see.

"I think it showed in the performance at Blackpool, it seemed like the reins were off with the group and there was a real togetherness between the fans and the club," he added.

"With the goals, the way they were celebrated, it felt like a really special moment."

Dobson will once again aim to play a key role as Wrexham go in search of victory over his former side Charlton this weekend.

Should Wycombe fail to beat Leyton Orient, the Red Dragons will clinch promotion to the Championship by beating the Addicks.

"I had three brilliant years [at Charlton] and I really enjoyed it. I met a lot of special people and people who I'm still close with," said Dobson.

"It always seems to be that things like that happen and you end up playing against former teams when it matters the most.

"But I'm just really hoping we can deliver like we did on Monday and bring a special evening."

Charlton remain in the hunt to finish second behind champions Birmingham City having claimed 16 points from their previous six league outings.

And Wrexham manager Parkinson feels Charlton are reaping the rewards of fielding a more consistent starting 11 of late under Nathan Jones.

"I think Nathan has picked a more or less consistent side over the last 10 to 15 games," said Parkinson.

"He was searching for a balance in the team and he's clearly found it because their record is really good."

Image source, Sarah Kyffin

Midfielder George Dobson says the visit of young fan Archie White to Wrexham's training ground has given players a "sense of perspective" before their crunch League One fixture with Charlton Athletic.

Phil Parkinson's side will secure a third successive promotion if they beat the Addicks at the Stok Cae Ras on Saturday (17:30 BST) and Wycombe Wanderers fail to win against Leyton Orient.

Before what could be a decisive game for Wrexham, 12-year-old Archie - who was diagnosed with myeloid sarcoma, an extremely rare type of cancer, in 2024 - visited the club's training ground.

A number of players, including Dobson, Paul Mullin, Ollie Rathbone and Arthur Okonkwo, posed for photographs with Wrexham supporter Archie.

"It's the sense of perspective. At the end of the day, we're just playing a game of football," said Dobson.

"It was great Archie coming in and seeing his family. He seemed like he had a great day.

"That's the special thing about the club, they really do buy into all aspects of the community and the family aspect.

"I think that's what's set the tone for the club in general and why they've been so successful in the last few years and hopefully we can continue that."

Director Humphrey Ker has regularly spoken of the club's eagerness to showcase the wider community in addition to football matters in the 'Welcome to Wrexham' documentary.

And boss Phil Parkinson hailed Archie as an "inspiration" following his visit to Colliers Park on Thursday.

"It was great to see young Archie at the training ground and what a great young man he is," said the Wrexham manager.

"It's an inspiration with how he's coping with all of his problems.

"That's what a football club is all about, it's about being part of the community.

"Wrexham is very much at the heart of this town, and any supporter or anyone we feel can benefit from connecting with us, then obviously we try and do that."

Image source, Rex Features

Ollie Rathbone hopes the Stok Cae Ras will play host to a blockbuster on Saturday as Wrexham and Charlton Athletic lock horns knowing both clubs remain in the race for automatic promotion from League One.

Wrexham returned to second place as they beat Blackpool 2-1 on Monday while Wycombe Wanderers were beaten 4-0 by the Addicks at Adams Park.

It leaves Phil Parkinson's side two points clear of the Chairboys, and four ahead of Charlton, with just two regular season matches left to play.

And Rathbone believes the fact both sides still have everything to play for will ensure this weekend's meeting between Wrexham and Charlton will be a mouth-watering one.

"It's quite topsy turvy this whole thing, a bit of a rollercoaster," he said.

"We just need to stay calm, go into the game and do our best. We won't get carried away, we'll just play the game in front of us.

"I think some people will say, coming to the end of the season, it's easier playing teams that have less to play for. I don't find that to be the case.

"When teams don't have any pressure on them, they can play more freely.

"I think it'll make for a much better game that Charlton are right in the mix as well."

Wrexham will clinch an historic third successive promotion this weekend if they beat Charlton and Wycombe fail to win at Leyton Orient.

"People forget how far the club has come in such a short space of time," added Rathbone.

"To be fighting at the top of the league for automatic promotion is brilliant.

"It would be a huge achievement for me personally, and for the club and the town."

Rathbone scored his seventh league goal of the campaign last time out in Wrexham's triumph over Blackpool.

It represents the 28-year-old's best goal return in a season of his career.

"I'm really happy with that, especially when I didn't play for the first chunk of the season, so it's a pretty good return," he added.

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James McClean admits it was a case of "third time lucky" as he scored the opener in Wrexham's pivotal 2-1 win at Blackpool.

McClean was unable to score with a pair of big chances either side of the restart at Bloomfield Road but struck a fine effort beyond Harry Tyrer in the 61st minute.

The former Republic of Ireland international says his goal was the perfect way to celebrate his birthday having turned 36 the day after the victory against Steve Bruce's side, adding that striker Sam Smith did not get the final touch on his shot.

"We've seen it back a few times, it's definitely my goal. He's (Smith) not getting that," said McClean.

"It was overdue as well, so I'm delighted to score. I almost scored two before that, one great save and I haven't seen the header back, I probably got too good a connection on it.

"But it was third time lucky, and a nice birthday present. My wife and two eldest kids were in the crowd as well. It was fantastic for them and to send them (fans) home happy."

The triumph over Blackpool combined with Wycombe Wanderers' 4-0 loss at home to Charlton Athletic saw Wrexham rise back above the Chairboys into second place in League One.

Phil Parkinson's men sit two points above Wycombe and four above their next opponents Charlton with just two matches of the regular season left to play.

But McClean says Wrexham can't afford to take anything for granted as they continue their quest to clinch a third successive promotion.

"It (Blackpool win) puts us back in a great position," he added.

"We've been here before and at this stage of the season, there's always twists and turns, you can't take anything for granted.

"The players and the staff have to remain professional, block out that noise and just go about doing our job.

"There's a lot of pressure at this stage of the season and pressure is a privilege because it means there's something expected of you.

"We have to see it that way and embrace it."