The reason behind star player Elliot Lee’s benching against Sutton United in Wrexham’s 2-1 victory last night has been disclosed by assistant coach Steve Parkin.
Tuesday night at The Racecourse Ground, Lee started the game on the bench but came on late to give the Red Dragons the victory over the U’s.
Parkin provided the following explanation for manager Phil Parkinson’s choice to rest the 28-year-old after yesterday’s game [quotes via The Leader]: The manager believed Elliot could use a little rest because he had essentially played every minute of every game.
“We brought in Jordan Davies because we thought he appeared a little lethargic at Bradford.”
With four yellow cards for the season, Lee would have missed Wrexham’s crucial match against Notts County this weekend if he had been booked against Sutton. Parkin brushed off the notion that it had to do with a potential suspension. He went on, “It was more that we were trying to be a little protective of him and make sure he wasn’t hurt, so we were keeping him ready for the weekend.”
He is a sensible young man, and the four bookings issue didn’t really factor into it.
The 57-year-old downplayed the significance of the matchup against the two National League teams that were promoted from the previous season prior to the Welsh team’s trip to Meadow Lane.
“At any point during the season, it’s important to stay in contact with everyone up there and make sure you are not getting too far away from the pack.” One game at a time, although it is nice to be right up there.” Parkin continued, “I realize it’s an old cliché, but it has to be that way.
It’s a little risky to look at the league table this time of year. For us, putting in our best effort on the weekends is what matters most.
Writer’s Opinion
Even if fitness was the deciding factor in the end, Lee’s possible suspension had to have been a factor in his decision to sit out Tuesday night. In the final seconds, Phil Parkinson had to go to the midfielder again in order to secure all three points for Wrexham after they were unable to break through Sutton United.
Lee is without a doubt the most significant player for Wrexham. It would be a huge loss for the Welsh team not to have him in a replay of that championship game at the end of the previous campaign. The injuries to Ryan Barnett and Eoghan O’Connell combined with Lee’s absence could have meant disaster for Wrexham this weekend. Phil Parkinson made the right decision, and Wrexham will benefit from having a rested Lee against County.
