'Wrexham were an underdog, but now they are a scalp'
[Getty Images] Sam Vokes reckons Wrexham have become a "scalp" for rival Championship sides despite the fact that they were playing National League football only three years ago. Watford's win over the Red Dragons on Tuesday prompted significant celebrations among the home contingent at Vicarage Road. Wales international Vokes says Wrexham's success under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac – formerly McElhenney – has made them a club others love to beat.
"When someone is doing well you are a scalp and it's about dealing with that expectation now," Vokes told this week's Feast of Football podcast. "Wrexham were an underdog for many years – [although they have] always been a big club – but now they are that scalp. Teams will add that extra 10%.
" Vokes pointed to Wrexham's victory over Swansea City last Friday, which attracted additional attention because Reynolds and Mac did a turn as commentators on Sky Sports' coverage of the fixture. "Every game is being filmed - there's a documentary, TV crews," he added. "You have only got to look at the Swansea game.
There wasn't much talk about Swansea on Friday night, all the talk was about the commentators in the stands. "I am more than 100% sure that when Wrexham come to town, it is a scalp for any team. " Having slipped out of the Championship play-off places following Southampton's win over Norwich City on Wednesday, Wrexham will look to respond when they go to Sheffield United on Saturday.
They then face a third straight away game, at lowly West Brom, before returning home to face the Saints on Tuesday, 7 April. Vokes says Phil Parkinson's team should target at least four points from their next two fixtures before the "huge game" against in-form Southampton. "It's well within their hands," he said.