Not a lot to say about Joe Worrall, as I think it is straightforward. 177 appearances in the Championship, and 48 in the PL. Classic case of a player on a promoted club who is good to keep around, because they are good in the room and can do a job, but you are buying upgrades for the major minutes. At 29, he needed to go somewhere to play, because CBs don't get subbed on often, and starters play a ton of matches.

Mostly plays in the center of a back three, and wanting to see some of his limited recent time, I went and found that he made a start against Liam Rosenoir's Chelsea (a couple of weeks before Wrexham played them) at Stamford Bridge. Here is a quick compilation from the extended highlights video on YT. I think he holds his own pretty well. He also had 11 defensive contributions and 85% passing. He'll do for me.

My expectation is that he goes into the middle of the back three, and Hyam slides out to the right (or Vyner or Max). He is 6-4, strong, and while he is not fast, he seems fast and explosive enough to get the job done. For 2m, seems a solid upgrade.

But you didn't come here for the solid CB upgrade, you came for the crafty CAM...

The question you are asking: "Where will he play?"

Not quite the fit to the old "he plays where he wants" chant, but in the neighborhood. These are all of his defensive contributions last season as a central attacking midfielder.

So you are thinking, "Oh, ok, so we don't need another CDM in the 10. We need goals!"

Well, these are all of his carries. The thick lines are progressive. Is there a place in the pitch where he can't move the ball on the dribble?

So, you are thinking, "Ok, cool, but the ball is faster is faster than everyone, how does he do there?"

I think he pretty well.

Finally, where he does he receive the ball, and what does he do with it. Here are his receptions, and the passes that progress the ball into the next third in gold.

Here is what that looks like in real life:

If you haven't noticed a trend in the earlier graphs, let me show you his average positions, and the overall average.

So, he is a player who can play on the left side, or the right side, or in the middle - opening up 3-4-1-2 as an option too. (Yes, 4-2-3-1 too, but really no need as 3-4-3 is just as flexible. Remember, one of the biggest fan misunderstandings cited by pros - conflating base formations with tactics. When you defend in a 5-4-1, aren't your "10s" defending like wingers? NOPE, NOT GOING TO DO IT, NO TIME FOR MY WINGBACK RANT! :) )

We pressed in 3-4-1-2 against Cov, with LOB behind Kieffer and Windass pressing Grimes, and it worked pretty well.

Ok! I will quit dodging the question! I expect he will play on the left with Windass and on the right with Broadhead. They should be rotating enough that they will all get time, and LOB/Rathbone/Cadz getting some minutes too.

Did we settle of COH?

I don't think so. Quite the opposite. I had been digging in the numbers trying to find a common theme between Mehmeti, Azeez, and Sulc. What I found was interesting...

Production (non-penalty expected goals per 90 minutes of play - how are you getting into dangerous areas)

Pressing (tackles, interceptions, challenges, or fouls in the opposing 40%)

So, they were looking to improve on the production of LOB and Ollie, and the pressing of Windass and Broady. This is very familiar to all of those subjected to my rants about why they never played Windass and Broady together, and played LOB/Ollie so often. They were trying to get a player with a bit of both so it wouldn't be such a challenge.

My sense is that COH is a player that became available as the Blades ownership troubles deepened during the window, and when Sulc, Mehmeti, and Azeez were out of reach, they found a good candidate who fits the bill pretty well.

Of course, I could have sliced these numbers down to the point of insignificance, and the there would undoubtedly be system effects I haven't isolated, but I found it interesting, especially because COH had popped up on the list of players meeting these criteria (better production than LOB/Ollie and better pressing than Windass and Broady) before his name ever made its way into the rumors.

Also, I am sure that Chris Wilder throwing shots at Parky last week in response to a question about Nathan Jones might have changed things. No Chris, they weren't blanket bombing, they ordered a precision strike on your squad after you got their attention!

Clips

I hear you... "I don't want to hear about your fancy numbers or your axe to grind with Chris Wilder... show us more clips!"

Who can forget this goal... Wrexham had clawed one back, and COH says "not so fast!"

And he made another difficult header, running with our Cal...

This was a worse header, but again a brilliant read of the header across the box, and finding space.

Makes a great run off the striker. huh... never seen a need for this in our squad (sic)...

Here he floats into the pocket, and then pulls the defender to open the cutback to the striker.

I really like his vision.

His avoiding of extra touches is a real weapon for a CAM.

This is great too... None of this, "I am going to dribble this 15 yards, while the striker checks his run, so I can read the play and make my pass." He runs onto the ball to make an immediate touch to put the runner in.

And then there is no, "I have to find my runner and send them the ball." One touch into space, know the the runner will be there. That is vision and tactical intelligence.

Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing him, LOB, Whiteman, Windass, Doyle and Sheaf ping the ball around... Should be a good watch.

Quick window summary

• Longman -> Imray
• Arthur -> Patto (could even argue is is actually Ward -> Patto)
• Dobbo -> Whiteman
• Barnett -> Kabore
• Thomason -> Ekomie
• Scarr -> Worrall
• Rathbone -> COH

Those are seven upgrades in my book. Do they meet the lofty expectations of some? Of course not.

Does that mean those expectations are unreasonable? Not necessarily. I have a positive feeling about the ambition to make stretch moves, and an appreciation of how they don't always work out. I respect those who see it as either a) a failure in judgment about realistic targets or b) a failure of execution on getting them signed. I just disagree.

Wrexham is living in a tough part of the market. Without the academy and recruiting infrastructure of its competitors.

I don't understand the arguments about needing to do business earlier in the window. Just doesn't reconcile with the explanations of the experts like Shaun Harvey, or the observable activity across the football world, especially the organizations that Wrexham seeks to emulate.

Aaron James

When Thomason went down injured, and the second CB didn't come through, I think keeping Aaron around makes sense. He can play CB or wingback on either side. He doesn't count against the 25. While there is an argument that he needs to play more than he will get at Wrexham, the opposite point is that L2 competition isn't the same as Wrexham's squad, and decisions need to be made about him soon. There are loan players that crush L2, and then struggle mightily with Championship pace and power.

Strikers

While a free agent striker might be interesting for depth, and I would liked to have signed one, we play with one, and we have three. Additionally, Windass can play the 9 if it came to it. Hardie and JRod were injured most of last fall, leaving just Kieffer and Smudge. In the spring, Bailey swapped in for Hardie, and JRod was mostly still hurt. Smudge and Kieffer both finished where their xG said they should, so this is a matter of creating chances for them.

Like Aaron, Bailey is going to age out of U21 and decisions are going to need to be made. In both cases, their best path to the Championship is proving they can hang in training every day to earn minutes. Lots of players don't have that opportunity and must be projected against pace and power.

Alex Moore

Sending him back to Colwyn Bay is fine, even if I wanted him higher up. He is still young. He was a good contributor there on his last loan. Also, he has the benefit of still training with Wrexham and playing with Colwyn Bay.

U21 depth

When we talk about sending players out on loan, we need to remember the requirement for organizational depth - in training, reserve matches, academy, etc. When the registration list comes out in a couple of days, look at the other teams in the Championship and L1, and the sizes of their U21 list. Of course, many of them have teams that can compete as a U21 side and Wrexham cannot until they achieve Cat 2, but it doesn't change those depth needs.

Nickson (not Nixon - no internet pie fights for him!)

Takes over the helm tomorrow. I think that if you hire an exec to provide key leadership in an area, you owe him the tools to execute his vision. That includes SCR space, U21 players, etc. This window seemed focused on handling needs, while not limiting his options moving forward. I suspect he has SCR space remaining to tackle his priorities.

I also think we should all realize that a DoF works on multi-year timelines. The signings are the result of relationships built inside and outside of the organization.

Ashy has been sold to Peterborough. Nothing but the best to the lad, a lifelong supporter, he'll always be one of ours!

Dan Scarr is officially off to Salford City on a permanent transfer. No fee announced or rumored. Best of wishes to the lad in his next steps at League Two!

https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2026/september/01/dan-scarr-signs-for-salford-city/

O’Hare for 3 years with a club option for another…. C’mon the boyz LFG!
Edit: my snout- same as many here no doubt on Whatsapp says he’s in and E Lee is finally paid off.

I purchased two Millwall away tickets as soon as they appeared online. They do not yet appear in my digital membership. Should I be concerned?

I've written the Wrexham ticket office, but am concerned the bank holiday could slow their reply. Should I be concerned?

Making my first trip in October for the West Brom match and not sure I want to miss out on finding regular tickets so was thinking about hospitality packages instead to guarantee getting in. Anyone have any idea when they will become available as the season has started and the page still says coming soon.

Having reviewed various social media outlets postgame, I almost did not want to bother with this writeup. It was a frustrating game, and I understand that frustration. Heck, anyone that saw the post-match comments knows that Parky shares your frustration.

The Parky OUT crew is rejoicing, as you would expect. Those who said one-goal preseason victories were meaningless are now attaching huge significance to one-goal losses in preseason to point out that Wrexham are winless in six matches. They are now fantasizing about Wrexham losing the next five (tough matches, for sure) and Parky is out at the international break.

No disrespect to those who want to provide their reasonable explanations about PL quality managers, and managers with their levels, etc. - we have heard them all dozens of times. There is just no new ground to cover in this conversation, and frankly those points are less grounded in the reality of how this squad plays now than they were last summer. Frankly, people whose tactical knowledge I respected have revealed their lack of tactical depth in their dedication to their outdated narratives. Everyone saw the LCB score tonight by making a run into the right channel.

After all, when you outshoot a team 21-6, quadruple their xG, and dominate their box, there is no excuse for not getting all three points. Oh wait, that was what Millwall did to Wrexham last season at The Den, enroute to a 2-nil loss. Despite that, Millwall managed to finish third in the league. This league is a wild ride, so be sure you are buckled in. For me, there is no greater significance to a match where the shots (total and on target) are even, xG is close, field tilt is close, you out possess them, key passes are even, etc. and you lose by one goal.

Up Next

The Transfer Window slams at 11pm BST on Tuesday 1 September. Then, Wednesday at The Den, where Wrexham stole a match 2-nil for their first win in the Championship in years.

Parky

Set Pieces - I kind of feel that those set piece goals were the price the universe extracted for me questioning Parky's interest in Harry Souttar. Harry is just not going to get bullied at the back post on corners, and you are going to win a lot more first touches on set pieces with him in the middle. I would still prefer the Viking lad, but I am going to give the song its due: "He knows exactly what we need."

Also worth noting the cost of putting a guy in after two training sessions - which I wanted and still think was the right call, means Jacques probably doesn't have all of the set piece assignment nuances, and helps screen Patto.

The second Brum goal is on Kieffer. Classic case of being skilled enough to be casual with that soft volley, and your opponent punishing you with their skill. Very few players covering that position would even think to make a clever touch like that - and watch it turn very, very not clever. I can't score that against Parky.

And for those who point out the Ollie clearance off the line... Great play by Ollie, but he is where he is schemed to be on that defensive play. The tactics had him in a position to make a play, which he did and that is all you can expect from the coaching staff.

As far as this idea that the Parky tactics are oversimplified, and Wrexham just lumps it up to Kieffer, that isn't what this pass map shows:

For those who think I am overreading the pass map, here is a clip that should be pretty familiar to those watching how Wrexham progressed the ball:

Not saying they never "lumped it up to Kieffer", because they did. They also played it into the channels for him. However, they did a lot of playing through the thirds like this. This is the key, being able to attack a team in multiple ways.

Take a look at this for a moment. This is a big reason that Wrexham misses Windass being out of the lineup, because you can move him around and get him on the ball where it suits attacking the defense. Here he is playing LWB (sic). And Femi Azeez can't play in this system, either... (sigh)

Yes, they played with two 9s later in the match (Smith and Moore, and then Smith and Cadz). While they tend to like to slide the front three around to attack various pockets as needed, this wasn't the "Cadz in the 10" of the preseason. He was pressing the backline like a striker.

Ok, one more for you, in case people think I am exaggerating Wrexham's willingness to play with the ball...

Interesting to note DKD and Dobbo not on the bench. Might indicate their rumored moves are on...

Players

Ekomie - I thought he took a while to get into the groove, and when he was finally developing some chemistry, his shift had ended. Whiteman put him in behind, and Doyle did here. I think his future is promising.

Kabore - He is an excellent complement to Imray, and it was nice to see him as the spark plug. He should have had his first assist of the season off of this Kieffer header. Some days they don't bounce your way.

And for those who say Issa can't defend...

Whiteman - He is all over these clips making great passes. His one "mistake" ball, which he hit out of bounds, you could see LOB admit it was a mistake, and Whiteman get on him for being sloppy. If Whiteman can take that one YOLO pass a match out of LOB's game...

Patto - Neither goal was something he could be expected to handle. You have seen in the other clips of him stepping into the back line in the build. He swept as needed. I really liked this just instinctive support to Imray, to enable not having to put the ball behind or out of play.

Hyam - I mean, he gets bullied on the goal, but he still manages to make plays when you need him. Like this sliding block...

Vyner - He too was part of getting bullied, but I also think this deep cross to Kieffer likely deserved to be an assist.

LOB - I mean, his cross to Doyle for the goal was brilliant. He continues to work really well with

Doyle - Again, probably the best player on the pitch. His run for the goal is not something you expect from a CB. I do think he was worn out by the end, as he was leaving some of his crosses short, etc.

Moore - Feel like I have covered the issue enough. He was otherwise solid and he really deserved a goal for that header on the Kabore cross. Beadle got a lucky half touch to take enough momentum off of it.

Rathbone - I thought was very good progressing the ball, and helping feed the box. He has a sneaky shot, which I wish he was able to use a little more.

Imray - Speaking of Ollie getting the ball up the pitch, this was a great feed, which is another great shot. This is a couple of high quality shots to work the keeper. I expect more goals coming for him. He is creating enough danger to have walked away with an assist from this one also.

Broady - Had a couple of his patented "just a bit too much" plays earlier in the game, but this no look pass to play Kieffer in - brilliant. Deserved to be a goal.

Smith - I need him to get on the end of that Windass through ball, but chemistry is a thing. Also, he will be seeing that miss on the ball rolling to the goal line off the Kieffer header in his sleep tonight.

Cadz - So, I don't know whether this is a chemistry or an experience thing, but he completely misreads this ball over the top for him from Doyle. He is flatfooted like it is coming in, but it should be clear that he is playing Bailey into the channel. I think he gets this ball if he turns on it when Doyle tees it up. See Sam Smith against Chelsea...

Longman - I thought he had an ok shift, and he added a little something in the attack. Not enough probably where I want him getting core minutes, and especially if he is going to miss on crosses like this - near post or far post, but not in the middle.

Windass - Glad to have him back... Apparently, he and Kabore were in touch over the summer, and Josh actually smiled when Issa showed up back at training! They work well together and did it in their limited minutes in this match too. This switch was outstanding... "Overload to isolate" is the key principle to pulling apart low blocks...

I’ll be interested to see how the transfer strategy changes when Nickson officially starts. Does the thinking of loan players change? Do we end up selling more players for profit instead of loaning them out so they can leave on a free? What positions does he find vital to bring in ? Does our scouting department start looking in other countries? If you have any insight if you know more about Nickson based on his past I’d love to hear !

Just finished watching Phil’s post match interview following the Birmingham match. I can’t remember the last time I saw Phil that upset after a match. Usually, even in losses, he’ll talk up the things the squad did well and often tempers any disappointment with positive takeaways. This interview he was practically seething.

Lots to break down and take away from the match but giving up as he put it “two of the softest goals in my time here” is a scathing critique. It’ll be interesting to see what changes are made both in squad makeup and in tactics for the Millwall match.

For my part it seems opposing sides have collectively decided to go very direct against us and counter quickly, which right now at least, we don’t have the pace or mentality to challenge. Someone really needs to take a look at our set piece play as well IMO, both defending and attacking. We know the Championship is a division defined by small margins and we’ve been punished with set piece goals in two of three matches already this season.

It’s early days yet and there’s still a lot of football to play but Phil clearly acknowledges something needs to improve.

From England but live in the states now, was in an antiques kind of store in Gulfport Mississippi where people can sell a wide range of stuff. Noticed this hanging in a sports memorabilia section. Love seeing real football merchandise being sold here; especially from a team that’s not as well known as the likes of Arsenal, United, Liverpool etc

Wrexham 1-2 Birmingham

Goals
Wrexham: C. Doyle (54')
Birmingham: P. Neumann (13', 63')

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Match events powered by Football API

7' 🟨 Yellow Card: A. Cochrane (Birmingham)
13' ⚽ Goal 0-1: P. Neumann | 🤝 Assist: A. Cochrane (Birmingham)
46' 🔼 On: P. Roberts | 🔽 Off: D. Gray (Birmingham)
50' 🟨 Yellow Card: B. Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham)
54' ⚽ Goal 1-1: C. Doyle | 🤝 Assist: L. O'Brien (Wrexham)
63' ⚽ Goal 1-2: P. Neumann | 🤝 Assist: A. Priske (Birmingham)
71' 🔼 On: S. Smith | 🔽 Off: N. Broadhead (Wrexham)
71' 🔼 On: J. Windass | 🔽 Off: O. Rathbone (Wrexham)
71' 🔼 On: R. Longman | 🔽 Off: J. Ekomie (Wrexham)
71' 🔼 On: I. Kabore | 🔽 Off: D. Imray (Wrexham)
74' 🔼 On: Paik Seung-Ho | 🔽 Off: J. Stansfield (Birmingham)
79' 🔼 On: B. Cadamarteri | 🔽 Off: K. Moore (Wrexham)
82' 🔼 On: L. Vazquez | 🔽 Off: A. Priske (Birmingham)
90' 🔼 On: D. Fry | 🔽 Off: C. Vicente (Birmingham)
90' 🔼 On: E. Laird | 🔽 Off: B. Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham)
90 +3' 🟨 Yellow Card: B. Cadamarteri (Wrexham)

Wrexham 1-2 Birmingham

Goals
Wrexham: C. Doyle (54')
Birmingham: P. Neumann (13', 63')

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Match events powered by Football API

7' 🟨 Yellow Card: A. Cochrane (Birmingham)
13' ⚽ Goal 0-1: P. Neumann | 🤝 Assist: A. Cochrane (Birmingham)
46' 🔼 On: P. Roberts | 🔽 Off: D. Gray (Birmingham)
50' 🟨 Yellow Card: B. Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham)
54' ⚽ Goal 1-1: C. Doyle | 🤝 Assist: L. O'Brien (Wrexham)
63' ⚽ Goal 1-2: P. Neumann | 🤝 Assist: A. Priske (Birmingham)
71' 🔼 On: S. Smith | 🔽 Off: N. Broadhead (Wrexham)
71' 🔼 On: J. Windass | 🔽 Off: O. Rathbone (Wrexham)
71' 🔼 On: R. Longman | 🔽 Off: J. Ekomie (Wrexham)
71' 🔼 On: I. Kabore | 🔽 Off: D. Imray (Wrexham)
74' 🔼 On: Paik Seung-Ho | 🔽 Off: J. Stansfield (Birmingham)
79' 🔼 On: B. Cadamarteri | 🔽 Off: K. Moore (Wrexham)
82' 🔼 On: L. Vazquez | 🔽 Off: A. Priske (Birmingham)
90' 🔼 On: D. Fry | 🔽 Off: C. Vicente (Birmingham)
90' 🔼 On: E. Laird | 🔽 Off: B. Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham)
90 +3' 🟨 Yellow Card: B. Cadamarteri (Wrexham)

The game is finished. Click this link to open the Post-Game Thread

So we are doing a rare weekday watch party since we have some people visiting from out of town. So we are opening an hour early at 2 and I hope to see you all there!

Has the video feed not started yet? Audio is available but video doesn’t seem to have a link

Very interesting backstory on how W2W used Rob's speech and the clips from the players.  I love how this is another example of trusting the professionals and not micro-managing, running W2W kind of like how R&R stay away from on-field decisions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiyIGF5-bes