Wrexham star follows Phil Parkinson’s ‘positive’ message by breaking seven game record in victory over Blackpool

Wrexham were under immense pressure heading into their clash with Blackpool.

Andy Morrell questioned Phil Parkinson after the 1-1 draw with Bristol Rovers at the Racecourse Ground for his team selection and tactics during the clash.

However, Parkinson’s side responded with an excellent performance in their 2-1 win over Blackpool to wrestle back the initiative in the fight for League One promotion.

Matty James ‘pulled the strings’ in midfield, whilst Wrexham fans hailed Dan Scarr for his performance in central defence. However, there was one Wrexham star that went under the radar and broke a seven game record in the clash.

READ MORE: Phil Parkinson faces ‘monstrous’ selection dilemma as Wrexham ‘player of the season’ contender faces axe in crucial Charlton clash

Ryan Longman breaks tackle record in Wrexham win

Ryan Longman’s performance at Bloomfield Road went under the radar as the right wing-back produced a different type of display to his usual creative and exciting show.

Longman won more tackles than any other player on the pitch as he did his defensive work admirably in supporting Max Cleworth and with his total of four, it was more than any other Wrexham player in their last seven games.

Phil Parkinson’s message before Blackpool to his players was that he wanted them to be ‘positive’ in their actions and Longman certainly showed he was listening to the message.

He has impressed since his January arrival from Hull with his ability to beat a man and deliver a cross but it was the other side to his game that stood out in the win over Steve Bruce’s side.

Wrexham’s ‘positive’ performance needs to be repeated v Charlton

Charlton Athletic are the next opponents for the Red Dragons and they are a team in form following a 4-0 thumping of promotion rivals Wycombe Wanderers.

The reverse fixture was a 2-2 draw after Andy Cannon’s strike was cancelled out by a 97th minute equaliser from the penalty spot by Matty Godden.

Nathan Jones has aimed a dig at Wrexham already in the build up to the clash but all that Parkinson’s side need to do is focus on replicating their wonderful display from the Blackpool game.

Do that and Wrexham will give themselves the best possible chance of keeping promotion in their own hands and if results go their way, possibly even secure the feat with a win.

Humphrey Ker lauds Phil Parkinson for Wrexham success, ‘other teams’ have failed where Red Dragons have flourished

Wrexham are on the verge of greatness right now, with a third-successive promotion on the cards, and Phil Parkinson has been praised at the man behind it all.

When Phil Parkinson came in four years ago, Wrexham were still sitting in the shadows of National League obscurity.

He’s since led the Red Dragons to the National League title, another promotion from League Two, and now has the club within touching distance of Championship football after an incredible League One campaign.

It’s still all to play for in the third tier, with Wycombe chasing hard and Charlton Athletic up next. But, Humphrey Ker is delighted with Parkinson’s work regardless of what happens this term.

• READ MORE: Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney impressed with one particular aspect of Wrexham’s 24/25 season so far

What Humphrey Ker said about Phil Parkinson

In a recent appearance on the BBC, Ker was discussing the whole Wrexham project as it embarks on what could be an historic achievement over the next week or so, and he took time to heap praise on the Wrexham manager for his role in the journey.

“Phil Parkinson our manager deserves an unbelievable amount of credit, because there have been other teams that have had more resources than us in the past and they’ve not been able to… I can’t say achieve what we’ve achieved, but got to the cusp that we have got to.”

No team has ever achieved back-to-back-to-back promotions in the EFL, but Wrexham could seal that glory as soon as this weekend if they beat Charlton and other results go their way.

It’s not surprising that America is obsessed with the Wrexham project, as Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds’ Hollywood adventure reaches a tantalising climax this season.

• READ MORE: Phil Parkinson singles out ‘brilliant’ Wrexham star, asks for one thing from his squad