Wrexham

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Norwich City head coach Liam Manning welcomes Wrexham to Carrow Road this Saturday (15:00 BST) admitting their transfer spending shows they are in the Championship to compete.

Manning's side, looking for their first home win of the campaign, face the north Wales team whose summer outlay on 13 players was the biggest net spend in the EFL.

The new boys are still finding their feet in their unfamiliar surroundings, with one win and four points on the board from their first five games.

But, praising their rapid rise up the divisions, Manning says their ambition deserves respect.

"Spending money doesn't guarantee you anything," Manning told BBC Radio Norfolk.

"You look at numerous Premier League teams that spend fortunes and haven't always got better.

"And that's where, of course, they deserve a huge amount of credit - to get their promotions as quick as they have is an incredible achievement.

"They've done it in a different way to a lot of ways that other teams are working at the minute and - if you look at the last four years - they've signed players that are proven to be ready for their level or have performed at the level above.

"They have done no different this summer, and I think's a real clear indicator that they're here to compete and perform."

Manning says that approach – and a £33m transfer bill – will bring pressure, with Wrexham this week having to fight off speculation surrounding the future of manager Phil Parkinson.

And on the Dragons' boss, who has won six career promotions, Manning - whose side sit in 10th on seven points - added: "I can't speak highly enough of him and what he's achieved there.

"And even before, his career in terms of number of games, the success he's had, he's done an incredible job."

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Josh Windass says he was determined not to rush his injury recovery as he prepares to make his comeback for Wrexham at Norwich City on Saturday (15:00 BST).

The summer signing featured in each of Wrexham's first three matches of the 2025-26 season - scoring in the opener at Southampton - but sustained a hamstring injury in a 3-2 loss to West Bromwich Albion on 16 August.

But after more than a month on the sidelines, Phil Parkinson has stated the 31-year-old is available to feature this weekend as his side take on the Canaries at Carrow Road.

"You never want to start off with a little niggle like that," said Windass.

"It's not been as bad as I thought it was at the time. Hopefully I can come back now and get a consistent run of games.

"I didn't play any matches in pre-season, being at Sheffield Wednesday and the difficulty that was there, so I didn't play any games so I came straight into this season so that's a little reason why I've done it.

"But I've had good training now and touch wood I can be fine.

"I probably could have been involved in the last few games. But I'm experienced now and it's probably been best to let it heal properly."

Wrexham sit 21st in the Championship table having claimed just four points from a possible 15 at the start of the campaign.

And having watched on from the sidelines of late, Windass says Wrexham must swiftly improve defensively given the ruthless nature of the opposition in the second tier.

"The results have not really gone on our way," added Windass.

"The attacking play has been really good, I just think we need to be a bit more compact because at this level you can't really get away with the chances you're giving up. From now until the end of the season we need to shore that up."

Norwich City will seek to end their Carrow Road hoodoo as Wrexham head to Norfolk on Saturday (15:00 BST).

The Canaries have taken seven points from nine on the road after a battling 1-1 draw at Coventry last time out, but have lost both home games in the Championship and were also soundly beaten in the EFL Cup infront of their own fans.

Wrexham picked up their first win at this level in more than 40 years in their last game on the road at Millwall, but went down 3-1 at home to QPR last time out to remain among the early strugglers.

• Norwich City are unbeaten in each of their six games against Wrexham in the Football League, winning each of the last five (D1).

• This will be the first meeting between Norwich City and Wrexham since February 1982 in the second tier, a 4-0 win for the Canaries.

• Norwich City have lost their first two home league matches so far in 2025-26 – only in 2021-22 in the Premier League have they lost their first three home games in a season.

• Wrexham are looking to win consecutive away second tier league games for only a third time, also doing so in August 1978 and December 1980.

• Josh Sargent has netted 33 goals in 50 home Championship matches for Norwich City. Since 2004-05 – and including play-offs – the only player to net more times in his first 50 home Championship games is Dwight Gayle (37).

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Josh Windass and George Thomason are set to boost Phil Parkinson's options when Wrexham visit Norwich City on Saturday.

Forward Windass (above) has been sidelined after suffering a hamstring injury in Wrexham's home defeat to West Bromwich Albion in the opening week of the season.

Midfielder and fellow summer recruit Thomason (below) is yet to play for his new club having picked up a thigh problem in pre-season.

"Those boys have been great this week - it's great to have them back in the fold," said Wrexham boss Parkinson.

Windass, 31, joined Wrexham after leaving Sheffield Wednesday as a result of their financial problems.

He scored 13 goals for the Owls last season and has already opened his Wrexham account courtesy of an opening-day penalty at Southampton.

"Josh is a very talented player but he works for the team as well," Parkinson said.

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"I think that's key that front players. Defending starts from the front. He's good at that. His physical data backs it up."

Thomason, 24, joined Wrexham from Bolton Wanderers for a fee of more than £1m.

Parkinson reckons the former Wanderers captain "is going to be a strong player" for his new club once he gets up to speed.

"We had to take him out of the firing line, get him fit, work with him on the grass," Parkinson added. "The medical team have done a great job with him."

Parkinson could also give a first start to Ben Sheaf at Norwich after his move from Coventry City, while two more new faces, Dom Hyam and Issa Kabore, are pushing to make their debuts.

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After another frustrating defeat for Phil Parkinson's side, we asked for your views on whether you fear Wrexham are in for a relegation fight this season - or if things will improve once the new signings gel.

Here's a selection of what you had to say.

Andrew: "Our overall performance was poor against QPR and I'm yet to see how some of the new players - especially Broadhead - will fit in to the formation Parky plays. We do need to see more urgency and quicker movement in our play. We have the players and need to see some good results before the next international break."

Steve: "I fear that it might be a case of fending off relegation. The defence hasn't gelled yet and there were signs of players blaming one another on Saturday. There's a tendency to revert to long ball rather than play through midfield. The wingbacks are good going forward but a bit flaky in defence. I hope I'm wrong but, as a supporter for 65 years, I had hoped for a better start to the season."

Jon: "Most of our performances have been excellent for 45 mins and terrible for the other. I cannot see how we can continue without some significant improvement in performance. If we continue as we are we will be looking at a relegation battle despite a £30m outlay. I only hope the players adapt quickly and we see things turn before it is too late and before the manager loses confidence of the fans and ownership."

Adam: "The players they have signed are quality at this level, however the Championship is a different step up in quality from League One and therefore they are getting punished whilst the team gels."

Mike: "It's a whole new team so it might be 2026 before we see the best of it. By then though we'll be embroiled in a relegation fight."

Michael: "Bring in a new and better manager before it is too late."

Mark: "Give Phil and the new squad time. Let's see where we are at Christmas."

Phill: "It's been a poor start but it's a much tougher league. Our defence has been poor however if things don't gel very soon we will spend the season flirting with a return to League One. The money was there and the players are there so I think supporters deserve better performances and less excuses."

Aaron: "They have depth now and a lot of quality, and so once they are playing as a single unit they will be forced to be reckoned with!"

Andy: "The signings all sounded good in theory, but I don't see any signs that we will improve. Great to see some younger talent has been brought in, but our style of play is too slow & predictable. We still look like a League One team."

Alun: "The new signings will make a difference and the return of Rathbone. However, our manager needs to adapt our style as we are too predictable. Tighten up our defence and stop relying on players who are approaching the end of their careers."

Wes: "There are still 41 games remaining. Plenty of time and points available for the team to mesh and develop."

Jay: "Wrexham have a Premier League Dream. However, reality shows the Championship is a tough League so Ryan Reynolds has to accept 23 other teams have the same dream."

David: "They look like a team that is still getting to know each other. It has been the same at the beginning of every season. If they are flirting with relegation at Christmas, then we have a problem. I don't expect that."

Peter: "It's simply the case of rising too far and too fast. Wrexham will be very lucky to remain in the Championship."

Michael: "I blame it on the crowd! What happened to their driving force? The team still needs that support from them."

Nick: "Wrexham need to sort out their new defensive relationships quickly, or it will be a long season ahead. Hopefully the squad will settle in and we will see the return of fortress Cae Ras."

Tim: "Wrexham will improve with the integration of players with a Championship pedigree. The players want to play for the club and extra quality throughout the team will inevitably improve results. No need to panic!"

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Wrexham suffered a setback as they remain without a home win in the Championship this season following a 3-1 defeat by Queens Park Rangers.

Do you feel Phil Parkinson's side will improve once the new signings have had more time to gel? Or is it going to be a season of fighting relegation?

Have your say here!

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson reflects on his side's 3-1 loss to Queens Park Rangers in the Championship.

Match report: QPR beat Wrexham to seal back-to-back wins

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It proved to be another disappointing and frustrating afternoon for Wrexham as they were beaten 3-1 by Queens Park Rangers.

But Kieffer Moore once again impressed and further highlighted why he is so perfectly suited to Phil Parkinson's style.

The striker's hold-up and link-up play was nigh-on immaculate against the Rs, as was his work in both boxes.

Moore won nine aerial duels - more than double that of any other player on the pitch - and netted with his sole effort on target.

His two dribbles were more than any Wrexham player while he won the joint-most (two) free-kicks for his side. Defensively, Moore also contributed three clearances.

"I don't think Kieffer can do much more in a game of football for his team," said manager Phil Parkinson.

"He's ran, he's challenged, he's scored a goal, he's defended the box. He is what we know, a really good player, and his performance deserved to be on the winning team."

With four goals in five Championship outings this season, Moore is the joint-second top scorer in the division. It also means he is heavily outperforming his xG of 2.05.

Lewis O'Brien and George Dobson were also among those to show their worth on what was an otherwise forgettable afternoon against Julien Stephan's side.

But for Moore, the Wales forward has wasted no time in proving he is fully suited to the methods of the manager - even if results have been underwhelming early on.

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Phil Parkinson admits Wrexham players will know they could have done better defensively when it comes to analysing their 3-1 loss to Queens Park Rangers.

Richard Kone and Rumarn Burrell added to a Conor Coady own goal as the Rs earned victory at the Stok Cae Ras - with Kieffer Moore netting for the hosts.

And while Parkinson feels his team are being punished by a higher calibre of forwards in the Championship, the 57-year-old feels his side have also been the creators of their own downfall at times.

"The previous home games, we looked like we can create chances and score. But the goals we conceded, on one hand, you'll say they were clinical, but when we analyse them all, we'll know we could have done better," said Parkinson.

"The strikers are better. To be fair to Burrell and Kone, they were in League One last year.

"The first goal was desire from him to score, and the second one, if the setup's not right in our defensive shape, those five yards away from where you need to be as a team - we got punished with that bit of quality.

"That is the difference and we know that.

"We've changed the squad around completely and there was always going to be a period at the start where it doesn't go completely as you'd want it.

"We've got to work this week on the training pitch to put in a performance like we showed at Millwall two weeks ago."

Defeat leaves Wrexham 21st in the Championship with four points from their opening five league matches of the campaign.

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Phil Parkinson admits he is unsure what his Wrexham side can expect from Queens Park Rangers when they host Julien Stephan's side this afternoon (15:00 BST).

Like Wrexham, Rangers secured their first Championship win of the season in their final fixture before the recent international break.

They followed up an emphatic 7-1 loss to Coventry City with a 3-1 triumph over Charlton Athletic - with Parkinson stating Stephan's side altered both their personnel and style for the contest with the Addicks.

"I think they changed the way they played, they went more direct against Charlton," said Parkinson.

"They were a bit more pragmatic in their approach. If you get beat by seven, you're going to change something and they made several changes to the personnel, but also in terms of the way they play.

"That's what football's about, it's finding a way and they did against Charlton. We look forward to welcoming them here at the weekend.

"QPR are an established Championship team and every game's a test. There's different qualities in the QPR team to what Millwall had.

"We've got to look at the individuals and the shape we expect them to play, but equally, as I always say, we've got to make sure we concentrate on improving ourselves and be the best version of Wrexham that we can in each and every game, and I do feel we're getting that."

Wrexham are seeking a first home league win of the campaign today, but go into the match unbeaten in three games in all competitions.

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Phil Parkinson feels Wrexham have a much-improved blend of youth and experience defensively as a result of their business during the summer transfer window.

Wrexham have impressed in attack early on having scored 13 goals across their six matches in all competitions so far this season.

But there were defensive concerns in August - with the club's xG conceded figure of 11.13 being the highest in the second tier while they have faced more shots (86) than any other side in the division.

Experienced international defenders Conor Coady and Dom Hyam are among those who made the switch to the Stok Cae Ras during the summer.

Parkinson has also brought in the likes of Liberato Cacace, Callum Doyle and Issa Kaboré - who are all under the age of 25 - to further improve Wrexham's defensive options.

"We've tried to strike the balance right between the positions on the pitch and the competition of different age groups," said the Wrexham boss.

"We've got some good young centre-backs; Brunty [Lewis Brunt], Maxy [Max Cleworth], Callum [Doyle] and we've got Scarry [Dan Scarr], Conor [Coady] and Dom [Hyam] as well, and young Aaron James so we've got a nice mixture.

"We've tried to do that to get the balance right in the dressing room. It's a long process as everybody knows and a lot of work has gone on behind the scenes so credit to everybody for that.

"I'm pleased with the options we've got - four games in, there's a lot to look forward to."

Wrexham host QPR aiming to make it three wins in a row in all competitions on Saturday (15:00 BST).

The Rad Dragons will be looking to build on an away win at Millwall as they face a QPR side off the back of a victory against fellow Londoners Charlton.

• Wrexham and QPR are meeting in the Football League for the first time since the 2003-04 season in the third tier, with the Rs winning both encounters 2-0.

• QPR have won four of their last six away league games against Wrexham (D1 L1).

• After beating Millwall 2-0 last time out, Wrexham are looking to win successive second tier games for the first time since March 1982 against Chelsea and Bolton Wanderers respectively.

• After beating Charlton Athletic 3-1, QPR are aiming to win successive league matches for the first time since recording four straight victories at the start of 2025.

• Wrexham's Kieffer Moore has scored three goals in his last two league games and is looking to score in three in a row for the first time since April-August 2022 (a run of four).