Middlesbrough boss Rob Edwards has praised Wrexham's incredible achievements under Phil Parkinson, highlighting their three successive promotions. Edwards' comments come ahead of Boro's clash with Wrexham, a match with potential league-topping implications for Middlesbrough.
Penalty Controversy in Boro's Win
Edwards also revealed he received an apology from PGMOL after Middlesbrough were denied a clear penalty in their 1-0 win against Sheffield Wednesday. Referee Thomas Kirk waved away appeals despite a heavy challenge on Tommy Conway by Owls goalkeeper Joe Lumley. Sky Sports pundit Jobi McAnuff described the incident as an 'absolute stonewaller,' expressing bewilderment at the decision.
"I've had a conversation with [the referee manager in the Championship] Kevin Friend on it, and it was a really good, open honest one, and they realised it should have been a penalty," Edwards stated. He acknowledged that mistakes happen but felt this was a particularly clear-cut case.
Wrexham's Unprecedented Success
While Middlesbrough focus on their own promotion ambitions, Edwards couldn't help but admire Wrexham's recent success. "What Phil has done, I'm not sure anyone has done that. It's incredible what he's done from a managerial point of view," he said. "It's pretty special what they've achieved there."
Wrexham's journey is inspiring, especially for teams like Bafana Bafana, demonstrating what can be achieved with strong leadership and a clear vision. The Red Dragons' story serves as a reminder that anything is possible with dedication and hard work.
Could Bafana Bafana Learn from Wrexham?
South African football could benefit from studying Wrexham's approach. Their success is not just about individual talent, but also about building a strong team culture and fostering a winning mentality. Bafana Bafana could draw inspiration from Wrexham's remarkable rise, focusing on long-term goals and strategic planning to achieve similar success on the international stage.