EFL expert Don Goodman believes Phil Parkinson is facing pressure and has warned that the Championship will be a tougher division for Wrexham this season.
Parkinson’s Wrexham sit in mid-table during the international break, having missed play-off qualification last season on the final day of the season.
The Welsh club have won two, lost two, and drawn four in their opening eight games of this campaign – with a low point being the 6-0 defeat at West Ham United.
Stuck in the middle
Speaking to BetVictor Online Casino, Goodman said: “They haven’t been too bad, but they haven’t been great either. They’ve been right in the middle.
“They had a no-show against Birmingham and got pulverised by West Ham. But West Ham are playing like they would pulverise almost anyone in the division.
“Phil Parkinson has huge credit in the bank, but finishing seventh last season raised expectations for a Premier League push. With that comes pressure.
“The top eight is achievable, but the level of opposition in the Championship this year is much higher.
“It’s a tough stretch ahead, but a couple of wins can quickly change the picture.”
Wrexham lacking dynamism
Goodman questioned whether the type of players they signed during their dramatic rise up the divisions can deliver now – and thinks they lack dynamism.
Steve Nickson has been brought in by Wrexham this month as sporting director, having worked at Newcastle United as a head of youth recruitment then head of recruitment.
Goodman added: “Previously, Wrexham rose through the leagues by signing experienced 28-to-32-year-olds but that recruitment strategy probably won’t be enough to take them to the Premier League.
“They’ve started shifting towards younger, dynamic players like Kaboré, Imray and Ekomie and that is likely a recognition that to reach the next level, you need athleticism and dynamism.
“Except for their wing-backs, that’s what Wrexham lack a little of in my opinion.”
