Wrexham have endured a difficult opening to the season, picking up just one win from their first eight matches across all competitions. Despite the underwhelming run of results, their total of seven league points is only one fewer than they had at the same stage last season, suggesting the situation may not be as dire as it appears on the surface.
A closer look at the underlying numbers highlights where manager Phil Parkinson and his coaching staff need to focus their attention. Only four clubs in the division have scored fewer than Wrexham's tally of seven league goals this term, and the team is currently underperforming its expected goals (xG) figure by 1.03. That marks a dramatic reversal from last season, when Wrexham outperformed their xG by 12.21 — the biggest overperformance of any side in the second tier. Their total of 78 shots this season is also the fourth-lowest in the league.
Defensively, there are similar concerns to those seen last year. Wrexham have conceded 11 goals from an xG of just 8.41, a difference of 2.59 that is worse than all but four teams in the division. On a more positive note, the Red Dragons lead the league in recoveries with 377, a statistic that reflects the effort and determination the squad has shown despite the frustrating run of form.
Much of Wrexham's sluggish start can be traced back to a major squad rebuild in the summer of 2025, which echoes the adjustment period the club faced during a similar overhaul the previous year. Parkinson appears to still be searching for his ideal setup, particularly within the back three and midfield. Joe Worrall made his first start since arriving from Burnley in the recent loss to West Ham, with Zak Vyner shifting back into the back three following an injury to Max Cleworth. George Dobson also made his first league start of the campaign in that match, while striker Sam Smith led the attack from kickoff for only the second time this season.
Captain Dom Hyam emphasized the importance of stability among the defensive unit. "As defenders, you want familiarity, you want to play with similar guys next to you every week and get that consistency," Hyam said. "We haven't really had that 100% at the minute, and losing Max is a blow. But they're all talented players who can step in at any opportunity, but it's up to the individuals to grab hold of the shirt, and more importantly keep hold of it."
There is reason for optimism regarding the squad's depth going forward. Ben Sheaf is nearing a return from a knee injury, while several players — including Liberato Cacace, George Thomason, Seb Revan and Callum Burton — were left out of the 25-man squad but remain available for future selection. Meanwhile, last season's top scorer Josh Windass continues to be eased back into contention following a spell of injury trouble, though the club will be without Nathan Broadhead due to a thigh problem. Encouragingly, new signings such as wing-backs Danny Imray, Issa Kabore and Jacques Ekomie have adapted quickly to life at the club.
Parkinson's track record of guiding Wrexham through adversity — including heavy defeats and painful play-off exits in recent years — has earned him considerable trust from ownership and supporters alike. "It's about accepting any criticism, but almost not getting too weighed down by that as well as a whole group," Parkinson said. "You've got to move on. You can't let the disappointment fester in your mind too long... We're all in it together when we win. We've enjoyed those wins over a long period here and when we lose we batten down the hatches and draw ourselves closer together as a group."
He added that the club's owners have remained supportive during previous rocky patches: "We've had other periods over my time here where we've had bad defeats or runs where it's not going our way and the owners are brilliant in these situations."
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.