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 league campaign
Wrexham legend Mickey Thomas has cautioned that the thrill of facing Chelsea in the FA Cup mustn’t derail the Red Dragons from their main ambition of reaching the Premier League. The Welsh outfit booked their place in the fifth round for the first time in 29 years after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town on Friday.
Their prize is a mouth-watering home fixture against Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea, who swept aside Charlton and Hull City to progress to this stage. The encounter is scheduled for the Racecourse Ground on the weekend of March 7.
However, before that marquee cup fixture arrives, Wrexham must maintain focus on a vital Championship play-off push. Ex-Wales international Thomas, who turned out for both Wrexham and Chelsea during an illustrious career, believes that Phil Parkinson must keep his squad grounded ahead of Tuesday’s league clash with Bristol City.
Speaking on BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, 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.”
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Thomas is well-versed in FA Cup magic. Back in January 1992, his spectacular free-kick against Arsenal at the Racecourse ignited one of football’s most remarkable giant-killings.
As this latest instalment approaches, he’s preparing himself for further excitement when the Blues make the trip to Wrexham.
Thomas said: “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 will be favourites, no question about that, fifth in the Premier League and they’ve got some wonderful players, probably the best player in the Premier League in Cole Palmer.
“”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 Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac‘s stewardship, the club’s rise has been extraordinary. Thomas is positive that the “two magicians” will keep working their wonders.
He added: “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.”
