Wrexham Handed Premier League Reminder After Chelsea FA Cup Draw 'Distraction'
Wrexham have been warned not to let their high-profile FA Cup tie against Chelsea distract from their crucial league campaign. The Red Dragons secured a place in the fifth round for the first time in 29 years with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town on Friday.
Legend's Caution on Focus
Wrexham legend Mickey Thomas, who played for both clubs, has cautioned that the thrill of facing Chelsea must not derail the team's main ambition of reaching the Premier League. Speaking on BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, Thomas emphasised the importance of Tuesday's league clash with Bristol City.
Thomas said: "Bristol City tonight is a massive game. They have to focus on that. Phil Parkinson will have them up and ready for that game, no question about that. But with Chelsea the build-up and that, it will be slightly a distraction for them. Hopefully they can focus on the main priority that is getting to that Premier League."
FA Cup Magic and Upcoming Fixture
The mouth-watering home fixture against Chelsea, managed by Liam Rosenior, is scheduled for the Racecourse Ground on the weekend of March 7. Chelsea progressed to this stage after sweeping aside Charlton and Hull City. Thomas, known for his spectacular free-kick against Arsenal in 1992, is excited about the draw but wary of its impact.
He added: "You know it will happen, not sure where, but it will happen and obviously the game now against my former team, Chelsea, it's a great draw for everyone. Unfortunately, only 10,500 can get inside the stadium, so we could sell that three times over for sure, but it's not the case at this moment in time."
Chelsea as Favourites and Wrexham's Rise
Chelsea are favourites for the tie, sitting fifth in the Premier League with players like Cole Palmer. Thomas noted: "It's going to be a great game and anything can happen in the FA Cup. No one's favourite. When that whistle blows on that day, no-one knows who will win because form goes out the window."
Under the stewardship of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Wrexham's rise has been extraordinary. Thomas expressed confidence in the club's leadership, calling them "the two magicians" and highlighting their fantastic squad and manager.
He concluded: "I'm not worried about the game, I'm really not. Because if you look at the game, I'm confident in terms of what Wrexham have available. They've got a huge squad, a fantastic manager, and they've got the two magicians, not the magic man, that Mickey Thomas, it's Rob and Ryan now. They're doing things with Wrexham that no one could believe is happening."
