How Wrexham are DESTROYING League One without the ball! | Extra-Time Football Park

Wrexham are defying the odds once again in League One! But can they go all the way this season?
In this video, Ashley Adamson-Edwards, Isaac Dodshon and Tom Williams break down the key components from Wrexham's success so far this season.
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[@loganleroy8622]

The best thing about the owners of Wrexham, is that they know they know very little about European Football and readily admit it. They do know how to tell a story and how to get sponsors to put financial backing behind your project, so that’s what they’ve focused their time achieving.

[@mikedown1250]

they don't need to know anyting about football. But do need about all the other stuff , which they do.

[@chelakkthewookiee]

As a Wrexham fan, it's refreshing to see ubiased commentary on the team so far without the Wrexham Bingo comments and same old same old, very educated on where they've come from and the approaches that they've been doing so far... Spent some money this transfer window, but I think it's the smartest they've been with their cash so far and gotten a LOT of bang for their buck... Dobson is right up there with Okonkwo as one of the best signings they have made since Mullin and we still have multiple quality new players that Parky is still easing into the team... Great chemistry with Parky's no dickheads policy and while we're appreciating the spot we're in at the moment, we know there will be plenty of bumps, but I think this team has teh quality on and off the pitch to keep their heads...

[@grizlee1719]

Guys - that long view video is wrong. The owners are not out ANY principal. The revenue off of the docuseries is the source of the "loans" from ownership. This, together with the sponsorships, merch, seat sales, etc. puts them on a consolidated basis at a net positive. Wait until you see the value if the limited membership interests they will bring in once they start raising capital to complete the stadium, training grounds, etc. These boys know how to create value and run a business on a sustainable basis. This party is only gettting started.

[@robharrison5893]

As wrexham fan its amazing to watch no messing about if there is forward pass to play we play none off this boring passing round the back with no idea what to do with it

[@bvyup2112]

theyre the most fun team Ive ever watched. Every game its just full on attack. They don't do the back and side passes, they just throw it up front run to the corner and cross it constantly. And it works.

[@wonton8983]

You just need to watch the replays of Wrexhams home games against Notts County to see the clash of styles.

[@bvyup2112]

@@wonton8983 wheres notts now

[@bobbralee1019]

Really interested in how Birmingham will set up against Wrexham, Blues play all out possession and Wrexham are perfectly set up to trip that up. As a Birmingham fan this will me a huge challenge.

[@jph418]

Nice show gents! New sub from Boston. (Not Lincolnshire). Refreshing to finally hear English football fans not slagging off Wrexham and what is arguably one of the best stories currently in the game! 15 years stuck in NL, almost gone bust if not for fans getting up over 100k in a day to save it, then back to back promotions, and quite possibly in the mix for something that’s never been done before in the League- back to back to back! Thanks for the honest take!

[@grizlee1719]

Parky matches a big forward (Palmer or Fletcher) with Marriott and Mullin. Wait until Palmer and Mullin are on the pitch at the same time.

[@kellydavidson3379]

Arthur Okonkwo was a great signing but I would put George Dobson right up there with him. He has transformed our midfield. Interestingly, though we have signed 7 players this past window, the only new signing Parky plugged into the team immediately is Dobson (not including Okonkwo who played for us last year on loan). We are playing with the same team we had in League 2 + Dobson. Thanks for the video!

[@fantastictime2780]

Mullin is eligible to play for Wales

[@neilwalker4686]

Wrexham only spent 1.4 mills in transfer market, Peterborough have spent 2.5 mill. So they are not spending more than comes in. The money most probably going on new stand and training ground. Birmingham is the only team that are certs to promotion, Huddersfield did not look very good in their loss, Reading looked well bellow div. 1 standard. Bolton are struggling. Therefore Wrexham definite top 6. good show well done

[@happyChappy96621]

Why are you lying? Peterborough have sold almost £7 million and only spent 2-3 million. Wrexham have spent £1.9 million and not sold a single player for any money.

[@neilwalker4686]

@@happyChappy96621 hi, i am not lying, i stated how much you spent on players

[@neilwalker4686]

thx for comment, i have NOT lied on purpose, it's only what i read. i am no fair play expert, but what i read was Peterborough spent more than Wrexham on players

[@LDBCFC]

Long old season in league one. It's only been 4 games.

[@davidchamberlain5425]

Birmingham apart 🤔 Wrexham can get promoted too 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@CaraghMurphy19]

They've got super Paul Mullin 😂

[@cianokeeffe4316]

The last couple years we’ve relayed heavily on him but this season so far without him we played insane

[@CaraghMurphy19]

@@cianokeeffe4316 Should of got that Brad Young who's went to Saudi 🇸🇦 would of been good for you & Corry Evans on a free. Can't wait for season 4 I've just binge watched all 3 lol

[@HUW1097]

Just don't think they understand

[@BruceMcFarling]

@@cianokeeffe4316 8 goals in four games scored by 6 players does set a challenge to a defence how they are going to shut it down.

[@Wrexforce]

@@HUW1097He plays in red and white!

[@mauricejones1580]

Wrexham is not the least Welsh place in Wales. that would be Cardiff.

[@kenbareilles2794]

I think the point of this Wrexham brand of Parkyball is to not be afraid to take risks in the opponents half of the pitch. It's okay to turn the ball over and take the chance down there, provided the defense keeps it's shape behind. Now, if the ball is turned over, the offense needs to hustle back and help the defense, but while they are doing that, Dobson shields the defense. The big thing is to take the risk on the proper half of the field. Uncertainty in front of the opponents goal yields goals. As a result of the uncertainty, the goals can come from any player on the pitch, so it's much harder to game plan against.

[@thefootballpark]

Great take! Where do you think Wrexham will finish this season?

[@kentalbertawrex]

a common and well founded criticism in the previous seasons was they could score goals but they also conceded a lot. James McClean said in preseason that Wrexham would be “ruthless in defense” this season- that perked my ears up- he picked the keeper Okonkwo as the leader in efl fantasy because of clean sheets- and he has 4 in 5 games- what a run.

[@braziliant]

how many things did you not research? Wrexham is very Welsh what was that silly comment about ;the least welsh place'. the Welsh FA started and were based in Wrexham for decades. Paul Mullin qualifies to play for Wales through his Welsh grandmother and has registered to do so, There is also no deadpool money flowing into club, the money is loaned to club that then pays it back with interest, the extra revenue generated is covering the payments, so the owners make money twice, plus they make the money off the documentary for themselves.

[@markballard9942]

The other thing that wrexham has to consider is they need to work on the infrastructure of the club if they are going to move on to the Championship and the Premier League. They are looking to expand the stadium and acquire a permanent training ground.

[@mikedodd1653]

stockport wrexham rivalry doesnt exist , stockport fans think it does but nobody in wrexham does . Just another game to us

[@thefootballpark]

Who do you think will finish higher this season?

[@mikedodd1653]

Tbh I would have taken play offs before a ball had been kicked . Can't see beyond Birmingham winning the league . Realistically I think us and Stockport will be serious play off contenders .

[@franksolomona90]

No rivalry like with Shrewsbury etc, but it'll be considered a "Grudge Match".

[@Scoobay]

@@mikedodd1653I’ve seen us (Birmingham) play and I’ve seen you play. I think you’ll give us a spanking in our upcoming game. We’re not the finished article yet. Hope to be pleasantly surprised but we’re very vulnerable on the counter. Last game we had 81% of possession, 26 shots and drew 1-1 with a league 2 side.

[@mikedodd1653]

​@Scoobay you have Alfie nay tho . Proper baller that lad . Not jealous 😂

[@j.stimp623]

Adding to the Paul Mullin/Deadpool & Wolverine reference, Ollie Palmer is actually seen in the film as well. He's one of the guys playing pool in the bar where Deadpool finds Wolverine.

[@markballard9942]

Paul Mullin is still recovering from back surgery. He's come in as a sub the last couple of weeks, so he is working himself back to full fitness.

[@TheVosack]

And nearly scored twice in the last match. Cannot wait until he is back to form.

[@striderwhiston9897]

Cleworth has always been underrated by the fans, but he's been incredible, really shined in league two last season and continues to do so this season in L1. Also will say Wrexham has the opposite of too many strikers, not enough, really would've wanted a slightly better striker coming in.

[@phildavies100]

Wrexham can change their style and position of play a couple of times per game they love teams coming on to them after the opposition have been knocking it around in midfield for ten minutes …then boom long ball down the middle or straight out to the wings….😂

[@thefootballpark]

Who do you think is Wrexham's most important player?

[@phildavies100]

@@thefootballpark Arthur in goal….best signing by far…

[@kellydavidson3379]

@@thefootballpark Dobson! He has transformed our midfield.

[@mikehunt3007]

@@thefootballparkDobson oozes quality.His positional awareness when he doesn’t have the ball is something else.Those watching on tv may not see it but those of us at the games certainly do

[@DraigBlackCat]

​@thefootballpark there are a few Dobsons around, he is a key player in front of the back 3 but if he got injured then we have a couple of players who could cover there. Ryan Barnett at WB is hugely important to our attack and nearly our most important player. That most important player is Okonkwo. He isn't perfect but he is learning all the time. His height and reach make him quite formidable - seen him intimidate a few strikers who were through 1 on 1 and should have scored. His biggest weakness is not bossing his defence. Hopefully Wrexham will progress upwards fast enough to keep Okonkwo at The Racecourse. If not then he will definitely make it to the premiership and become an England international.

[@mavrikmavrik3032]

And…I don’t think they are “in the hole” with their investments in Wrexham FC (yet). I think Rob had this all sorted out before he pitched it to Ryan. They create the docuserie and put the money into a fund/company they both own. They use the funds from that company to invest in Wrexham FC. That way they are able to invest in Wrexham without tapping their own person funds. They invest their time and energy but let their cut of the docuseries revenues pay for the Wrexham FC improvements. This is something Ryan has done several times over (invest some money and lots of his time/talents) and he is reasonably close to a billionaire because of it. This strategy is working out well for them now but will be tested as they add on to the racecourse. I also think this model runs into difficulty in the championship league because it is so expensive to compete for players. This is my guess as to what is happening.

[@mikehunt3007]

They will already have further investors lined up to jump onboard,that’s for sure

[@2beardsmedia]

Well said lads. A thoughtful unbiased opinion 👏👏

[@mavrikmavrik3032]

Great discussion! I don’t see Wrexham wanting to sell any players they think can contribute to the team at a higher level. I think they are going to hold on to everyone that is contributing and will look to add to grow the team. This year or next they will get out of League 1 and then it will likely be a few years in Championship before they compete for a top spot. But…who can say for sure…

[@thefootballpark]

How many seasons do you think it will take to be competing at the top of the Championship?

[@mavrikmavrik3032]

@@thefootballpark I think it depends. Rob and Ryan are both very experienced businessmen and leaders. They are very smart. If they keep building themselves then it could take 4 or 5 years in the Championship to build a team that gets promoted. If they add some big money investors it could be less time. However…one thing we can’t predict is their drawing power. They’ve been able to draw talent from much higher up with the momentum they’ve created with the docuseries (and who they are and the atmosphere they’ve created with the club). If they can pull 2 or 3 young premier league talents to their team the first year in the championship then who knows what can happen.

[@thefootballpark]

@@mavrikmavrik3032 And how long until they reach the Championship?

[@mavrikmavrik3032]

@@thefootballparkThis year or next. I figured they would be a top 6 team this year and then compete for a top 3 spot next year. They could go up this year but I don’t think it will take them 3 years. I figured they would slow down considrably at the next level.

[@rafd3593]

Posh had an off-day goal wise against Wrexham. Wrexham did just enough to win and were solid. They remind me of Oxford last season.

[@mikehunt3007]

They didn’t have an off day,we limited their ability to create chances.We could of scored 4 or 5

[@rafd3593]

@@mikehunt3007 Having scored four goals in our previous game and not having scored any against your lot, it was “an off-day goal wise” for us. Additionally, we were the league’s top scorers last season. You didn’t score four or five goals because you didn’t deserve to. That open goal missed by Mullin would have flattered your team had it gone in. 2-0 was a fair result because we didn’t do the necessary to repay the 69% of the possession that we enjoyed.

[@dwightmcfee9521]

Go Wrexham!

[@raymondblood6322]

mullins nanner is from newport so he can play for wales as much as giggsy

[@Czl2674]

If you think they’re losing money or not. Ryan Reynolds net worth is 160 million and with his assets combined is technically a billionaire. Not saying he’d use that for the club though.

[@LeeCorne]

I like your videos, but any chance you can move Isaac's mic so it's not on the desk (assuming it is) or ask him to stop hitting the desk, please? Thanks 😁

[@stevenhoughton1406]

I'm a Birmingham city fan and I'm dreading playing Wrexham

[@davidowenwilliams]

The dread dragons?

[@kellydavidson3379]

I'm a Wrexham fan and I'm dreading playing Birmingham! September 16th will be interesting ...

[@GLarrr-dd5wf]

It's gonna be a very good game to watch. G.l wrexham. KRO sotv

[@Red_Snappa]

Brum got too much firepower tbh. They get an early goal and we could be in for a tonkin. On the flip tho, if they _don't_ get one, and it's all square going into the last 10...... 🤔

[@grizlee1719]

Cleworth is a bad bad man.

[@mikegreen5799]

Stats dont win games but many KZbinrs get their laptops out and quote figures. Only figure that counts is goals scored and points won. Also actually do the background on the finances. Massive sponsor deals, full ground, selling 50000 shirts and all the other merchandise. No money comes from the owners after the initial £2million to buy the club. The ground is now back owned by the club after it was sold off. So many positives and would suggest coming to Wrexham and saying to the locals 'the least Welsh place' is Wrexham. Might get your ars* kicked

[@FelixMiddleton-Reese]

Great and accurate analysis

[@thedude6043]

Time of possession is a popular stat to watch in American Football also because in all possession type sports if you have the ball, then your opponent is not working on scoring (fumbles, interceptions and errors aside). But it can be misleading for some NFL teams with a potent offence because they score so quickly that they put their defense back on the field after only 2 or 3 offensive plays. Wrexham seems to push for a shot on goal more than other teams, so is that why they have less possession time? They make or miss the shot faster and then are working on defense and getting it back the rest of the time? Just curious if more experienced EFL fans see a similarity there.

[@manusankar007]

Nice discussion. However, you should get better microphones.

[@Giovanniditessitore]

Do you want to offer to buy them?

[@fullers_rage9390]

Don't forget tv money goes into owners private income not the teams.

[@LDBCFC]

I think the story is somewhat interesting but you're mad if you think Wrexham are getting to the premier league. This is a long old season in league 1 particularly, let's see where they are in Feb

[@scott5391]

Wrecsam is very much Welsh

[@paulgriffiths8803]

Little boys talking mostly nonsense. Try telling anyone in Wrecsam about least Welsh. Very passionate place.

[@JackMacDonald-k1d]

Total possession % is a misleading statistic. Possession % in the final 3rd is what matters. Possession football is all the rage lately, but what has it accomplished? Safe boring games. The problem with possession football is that it emphasizes maintaining possession over taking chances on attack. Much of the so-called possession is in the back 2/3rds of the pitch--with back passes to reset, side-passes in your own half--a lot of time-wasting. Yawn. If your game-plan is to pass it back, rather than take a chance and possibly lose possession, this creates a Defensive, cautious psychology among players. Wrexham don't wait for the perfect scoring opportunity, they get the ball in the box, and take their chances. Controlled chaos breaks defensive templates of the opposition. Parky has built a defensive fortress of players, who create a box around the final third. They don't get frustrated if the opposing team wants to play keep-away in the opposition's half. But once they cross the half-way point, teams are pressed efficiently and unmercifully by the well -organized team. When there is a turn-over, Wrexham don't dick around passing back, but head for the goal--often very quickly, before the opposing team can reshape in their own half. Wrexham takes chances in attack, and are rewarded for their sudden offensive aggression. If you look at the players brought in in the last transfer window, and examine their credentials and former teams, you will see that Parky has loaded the team up with (affordable) diamonds in the rough. Players who are under appreciated, but who have a spark of greatness. Ironically, only Dobson (former Charlton captain) got the shirt with the starting 11 so far, since last year's team is so good, but for every position, there is a competent replacement. Parky has managed to acquire two starting 11's having roughly equal quality. And all those on the bench are competing for the shirt--much like Premier League teams. One of the problems with EFL and professional football is that players are viewed as commodities, and team bonding seems like an afterthought. So all the pundits look at statistics as the only truth required for evaluating a team -- but there is a magical quality which appears when the same players have played together for years. Parky talks about a 'good dressing room' -- and what he means is all the players are good lads and get along very well together--no dickheads or prima donnas are allowed. Trips to Las Vegas and friendlies in America with Chelsea and Bournemouth allow players to socialize and and have fun with each other. All the Wrexham players love coming to work each day--this matters. All players when they are young dream of becoming rich and famous. With Wrexham, they get reasonable money for a 3 year contract (continuity and trust) but also they get fame beyond their childhood dreams. Paul Mullin is probably more well-known in America than Mo Salah or Eric Haaland. People in England don't fully realize how big Wrexham has become globally. America and Canada alone have 370 million people--and Wrexham is popular in Asia and South America--even Europe. The documentary allowed people to get to know the players and team personally--through ups and downs. Yes, I believe Wrexham can be promoted from League One this season. Wrexham is still improving game-by-game. This next match against Birmingham away will be a real test. Wrexham is now top of the table after defeating Shrewsbury 3-0. This will be an exciting season win or lose. League One, thanks to Wrexham, will have more global attention than it has ever had before.

[@dominiquedourneau7425]

You need top player and wins…you cannot survived with lower players..

[@JoseeSowders-f8m]

Lewis Jason Lewis John Martinez Maria

[@richl7910]

They will come unstuck against Birmingham city

[@burnster666]

They should do with the amount Birmingham spent on players over the summer - 10mil on one player compared to Wrexham top spend was £500k. But time will tell. I could see Wrexham beating bcfc……

[@JustMyFish]

Not any more, they’re not 😂

[@HuxleyAnsel-y9g]

Moore Shirley Robinson Helen Thomas Charles

[@plaguem4rine]

theyll lose to Birmingham

[@striderwhiston9897]

Probably, birmingham has spent like, 20-30 times more than the 2nd biggest spender this window, you'd expect them to win every game comfortably with that squad

[@nicholasjones7312]

What? Wrexham is the least Welsh place in Wales? Have you ever been to Monmouthshire?

[@pchscuba4045]

Well, it's true that Wrexham has spent a lot of money. Has it also been true that they've spent considerably less than Birmingham?

[@pchscuba4045]

it is true also that while Wrexham is spending more money than they're making, and it looks like the team is at a loss, you must consider the value of the Wrexham team today versus the value of the Wrexham team when it was bought by them. The value of the team today is much much greater than the loss of revenue due to salary. Thus the owners are making money handover fist and will continue to for quite some time