Wrexham

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Wrexham could be boosted by the returns of Nathan Broadhead and Ben Sheaf to their options for Tuesday's visit of Burnley (19:45 BST).

The Clarets are without a win this season following their relegation from the Premier League and head to north Wales at the foot of the Championship.

Wrexham, meanwhile, are seeking their first home success of the campaign after four points from two away days suggested they have found their rhythm.

Wales international Broadhead missed the win at Millwall and Saturday's goalless Welsh derby in Swansea with what was described as a "minor knock".

Midfielder Sheaf, meanwhile, has yet to feature this season having been a key man for the side in last year's bid for the play-offs.

But both returned to training on Monday and came through unscathed, with boss Phil Parkinson set to make a decision on the day of the game.

"We want as many options as we can go going into this next run of games," said Parkinson, whose side travel to West Ham on Friday.

Parkinson said Broadhead "had a great pre-season where he showed some real quality".

The manager added: "He's done some work over the weekend and Sheaffy has been back in so we're really pleased with that."

Parkinson said Callum O'Hare has suffered something of a dead leg after a challenge from Ben Cabango in the Swansea clash.

That incident saw Parkinson claim the Wales centre-back should have been sent off and was keen to speak to the referee for his view following Saturday night's media duties, but has since said he had nothing to add.

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It is 26 years since these two sides last faced each other in the league during which time Wrexham have dropped to non-league football before their rise back up the divisions.

Burnley are hoping to record a first win of the campaign, having managed only two points from their opening five games since relegation from the Premier League at the end of last season.

• Wrexham and Burnley last faced in the 1999-00 third tier season, with the Clarets completing a league double over the Welsh side.

• Burnley have won nine of their past 10 league matches against Welsh clubs (D1) since a 1-0 Premier League defeat by Swansea in February 2018.

• Last season, Wrexham only won one of their six Championship games against sides relegated from the Premier League the season before (D3 L2), beating Ipswich 5-3 at home in February.

• Burnley have lost each of their past seven away league games, last losing more in a row in March 2010 (10).

• Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has managed two previous league games against Burnley and lost them both, first with Hull in October 2006 (0-2) and then with Charlton in January 2009 (1-2).

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Callum O'Hare "can't wait" to make his home debut after a hectic welcome to Wrexham since completing his deadline-day move from Sheffield United.

The 28-year-old got up in the early hours on Tuesday morning to seal his switch to the Racecourse Ground before Wrexham's trip to Millwall.

O'Hare then raced to London on the train, arriving hours before kick-off to make the squad, but remained an unused sub as Wrexham won 3-0 at the Den.

Then came his first Welsh derby. He was thrust in from the start by Phil Parkinson, even though he had not yet trained with all of his new teammates.

And O'Hare very nearly capped off a whirlwind few days with his maiden Wrexham goal on debut at Swansea, but the former Coventry man dragged his chance wide.

"I probably should have had a goal, but I'm always going to be there, so hopefully that will come," former England youth international O'Hare admitted.

"I feel like I've settled in well. I'm yet to train with everyone, so hopefully, by doing so, I'll improve and get to know everyone's game."

He added: "It's been crazy, honestly. I woke up really early on deadline day to try to get everything done so I could be in the squad for the Wednesday game.

"Then I had to get the train up [to London]. The boys were already there. I got there for 5pm and still managed to be in the squad."

On the game at Swansea, O'Hare said: "I'm gutted that we didn't get three points, but they are a good team who keep the ball well.

"We just had to dig in, really, and concentrate for the whole game, which I think we did."

After having failed to keep a clean sheet in their first four games across all competitions, Wrexham have now kept back-to-back shutouts.

Four points earned from that win at Millwall and Saturday's draw with Swansea have the Red Dragons sat 11th in the Championship table.

And there will be no let-up for Wrexham as they face relegated sides Burnley and West Ham before the end of this week.

Parkinson's charges first host winless Burnley on Tuesday evening (19:45 BST) before another trip to the capital on Friday.

O'Hare, who previously scored at the Racecourse Ground as a Sheffield United player, is excited to play in front of the Wrexham faithful.

"It's perfect. That's what we play football for, we can't wait," he said.

"We want to go into Tuesday night full of confidence after two good away performances. Now we want to bring that to the Racecourse."

"When we played against Wrexham, especially at the Racecourse, that game was mental. As a player, you could feel the excitement and the passion from the pitch.

"It's something I'm looking forward to. I can't wait to go there, meet everyone and hopefully get the three points."

Gareth Vincent
BBC Sport Wales

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

The game did not live up to the hype, but the result means both clubs maintain momentum.

Swansea City remain top of the early-season table and Wrexham have enjoyed a better week after their slow start to the new campaign.

Their meeting at the Swansea.com Stadium came with a pre-match turn from a male voice choir, a sell-out crowd and a sizzling atmosphere.

But the match itself never really found a spark.

Perhaps it was for the best that Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac were not in the commentary box for this one – as they were when the two Welsh clubs met last March – because they would not have had too much to talk about.

The biggest discussion point in the post-match press conferences – or Wrexham's, at least – was the 77th-minute Ben Cabango challenge on Callum O'Hare which led to a yellow card for the Swansea captain.

Phil Parkinson said Cabango should have been sent off, Vitor Matos declined to join the debate.

A sending off would have helped Wrexham's cause late on, of course, but this was one of those games which seemed destined to end goalless.

Swansea had plenty of the ball – as expected – but could not replicate the zip and accuracy in possession which had their fans purring after last Tuesday's win over Watford.

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Wrexham had their moments, missing the night's clearest chance when debutant Callum O'Hare made space to shoot in the penalty area only to drag his shot wide.

Parkinson felt his side had looked the more menacing, with Max Cleworth unable to turn in Josh Windass' drive at the far post and Kieffer Moore denied by Swansea keeper Lawrence Vigouroux late on.

The home side's best chance fell to substitute Zan Vipotnik, who did well to reach Moussa Yeo's cross only for his sliding shot to go straight at Anthony Patterson.

For what it's worth, Swansea's xG was 0.73 compared to Wrexham's 0.64.

Ultimately, the stalemate was about right.

Swansea remain unbeaten - and have a fourth straight clean sheet on the board - as they prepare for what looks a demanding fixture at Southampton on Tuesday.

Wrexham return home to the Racecourse to face a struggling Burnley side in midweek having lifted the mood by taking four points – and registering two shutouts – from two demanding away trips in three days.

While each side would have wanted more from the Welsh derby, Swansea and Wrexham move on after what ultimately will be considered a decent result for both.

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Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson says Nathan Broadhead and Ben Sheaf are close to returning from injury as his side prepare to face Swansea City tonight (20:00 BST).

Broadhead missed the 3-0 win over Millwall at The Den in midweek while Sheaf is yet to feature this season.

But the Red Dragons remain without Liberato Cacace who has not been involved for Wrexham this season.

"Broady's close. He was only a minor knock," Parkinson said.

"Sheafo's trained for most of the session today (Friday). Libby's a bit behind."

George Dobson has been omitted from Wrexham's past two Championship matchday squads.

The midfielder was linked with a move away from north Wales during the summer transfer window.

Despite the 28-year-old's absence for the matches against Birmingham City and Millwall, Parkinson said Dobson will be ready to make an impact for the team.

"We can only pick nine subs and we've got decent options, but Dobbo is waiting for his chance," added Parkinson.

"He'll be ready and he'll be required, there's no doubt about that.

"He had a good first season in the Championship last season and we know he's a good player.

"He's a key character for us at the training ground and he'll be ready when called upon."

Transfer deadline day signings Joe Worrall and Callum O'Hare - who were both unused substitutes at Millwall on Wednesday - are in contention to feature against the Swans.

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Ben Whiteman says Wrexham's ambition to reach the Premier League was a key driver in his decision to join the club from Preston North End.

Ahead of the current campaign, the central midfielder signed a three-year contract with the Red Dragons, who hold the option to extend Whiteman's deal by a further 12 months.

The 30-year-old also revealed Ben Sheaf and Ollie Rathbone played a role in his decision to move to the Racecourse Ground.

"I think it was the ambition of the football club wanting to get to the Premier League, that was something that I wanted to do in my career," he said of his switch to north Wales.

"From the outside looking in, everything's done properly, really.

"If you look at the football club, I spoke to a couple of the boys that I know here in Ollie Rathbone and Sheafo [Ben Sheaf], they told me what an exciting project it is.

"But I think the ambition was the main goal really."

The midfielder has featured in each of Wrexham's five matches across all competitions so far this season.

Before Wrexham's contest at Swansea City on Saturday night (20:00 BST), manager Phil Parkinson admitted he was "really pleased" with Whiteman's performances so far.

Despite an encouraging start to life with Wrexham, Whiteman - who made more than 200 appearances for Preston - admits it was a difficult decision to leave Deepdale in the summer.

"I've got great memories from that football club, I captained it and it was a huge honour for me," he said.

"I've still got loads of mates there now. They've had a really disappointing start, but I'm sure they'll turn it around.

"They've got some great people at the football club and hopefully they can do that.

"But now I'm a Wrexham player and my full focus is on getting us to the Premier League."

Whiteman left the Lilywhites on a sour note - with North End boss Paul Heckingbottom questioning the midfielder's conduct just two days before he secured a transfer to Wrexham.

"Ben knew there was a line I didn't want him to cross and unfortunately he has," Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire in early August.

Despite his somewhat bitter exit from the Lancashire side, Whiteman stated he had no control over what others said about his situation.

"It's football and I can't control what people say," added Whiteman.

"There's a few people that knew what happened and that's all I can say."

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Wrexham assistant manager Steve Parkin described Callum Doyle as an "all-round package" following the defender's impressive start to the campaign.

The former Manchester City defender has excelled since forcing his way into the side midway through last season.

According to WhoScored.com, the centre-back ended the 3-0 victory over Millwall on Wednesday night having made one dribble, one tackle and three interceptions (more than any other Wrexham player) in addition to winning three aerial duels and two free-kicks.

Speaking prior to the contest with the Lions at The Den, Parkin had lauded the talents of the 22-year-old defender.

"He is very effective going forwards, even as a centre-back," Parkin said.

"He's got the ability to score, he's got the ability to put great crosses in and he's effective in and around the box in his combination play.

"I think there's still work to be done on his defending and I think there's still work that he wants to do defensively to get better, which is great. "

Phil Parkinson's assistant also noted the Manchester-born youngster's temperament.

"He's a good lad around the place, he can be a bit feisty and a bit moody at times but we don't mind that at all, " added Parkin.

"But in general he never shies away from having the football, he never shies away from a challenge.

"He's big and he's physical, which is an attribute of his as well, so he's a good all-round package."

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Elliot Lee said he has had the "time of his life" as he bid farewell to Wrexham.

Lee, 31, has left the Championship club by mutual consent after scoring 41 goals in 152 appearances during his four years at the Racecourse.

The midfielder featured in Wrexham's three successive promotions that saw them rise from the National League to the Championship.

"It meant so much to me to pull that shirt on with my teammates every week and give everything for this club," Lee posted on X.

"I absolutely loved it. Me and my family will be supporters for life.

"Together we made history, broke records and made some unforgettable memories along the way.

"I've had the time of my life."

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Former captain Ben Tozer says Phil Parkinson has answered his critics after Wrexham responded to their early-season questions with a "perfect away performance" at Millwall.

Wrexham clinched their first Championship win of the season in style with an emphatic 3-0 victory over beaten play-off semi-finalists Millwall.

Parkinson's side were winless and without a clean sheet in four matches across all competitions ahead of their trip to The Den.

Ex-Wales striker Iwan Roberts had suggested Parkinson was "probably under pressure for the first time" since he was appointed Wrexham boss in 2021.

But Tozer, who made 136 appearances and won back-to-back promotions with Wrexham, says the win at Millwall was the "perfect" response.

"Parkinson has been questioned after their start," Tozer told BBC Radio Wales.

"But he will have known there was a response coming from the team and he made the right changes - bringing back [Max] Cleworth and [Josh] Windass - to get that response.

"Parkinson has often been questioned, but he always comes up with the answers.

"That was pretty much the perfect away performance at a really tough place to play that saw the home crowd turn on their team pretty early.

"Three goals, a clean sheet and no shots on target faced.

"They controlled the game, even at three-nil, and the players coming off the bench kept the intensity and energy levels high."