Wrexham’s recent 4-2 defeat to Sheffield United in the Carabao Cup revealed some critical insights for manager Phil Parkinson. Despite the scoreline, the match was a competitive and entertaining affair, but it also highlighted the struggles of one of Wrexham’s key players, Sam Dalby.
Dalby, who led the line alongside new signing Oliver Rathbone, was given a prime opportunity to cement his place as a starting striker. Unfortunately, the 24-year-old struggled significantly against the Championship side, failing to make the impact Parkinson would have hoped for. Throughout his 62 minutes on the pitch, Dalby lost possession 13 times, misplaced 10 out of 18 passes, and failed to register a single shot on target or complete a successful dribble. His disappointing performance underscores the need for Wrexham to rethink their attacking options.
Phil Parkinson now faces a difficult decision. Wrexham has evolved rapidly as a club, and with Dalby’s contract set to expire in 2025, the time may be right to part ways. Moving Dalby on this summer could free up both a spot and funds to bring in a more proven striker, someone who can thrive in League One and help propel Wrexham to greater heights. A potential candidate could be Michael Smith, a seasoned striker who has demonstrated his capabilities at this level.
While Sam Dalby has been a dedicated player since joining Wrexham in 2022, it’s becoming increasingly clear that for both the club and his career, a transfer might be the best outcome. Parkinson’s pursuit of success will require some tough decisions, and offloading Dalby could be the first step towards building a squad capable of achieving the club’s ambitious goals.
