Paul Mullin, Wrexham’s star striker, has made a significant step towards his return to action after suffering a collapsed lung and four broken ribs during the club’s pre-season tour of the USA. Manager Phil Parkinson has confirmed that Mullin has resumed non-contact training and is progressing well.
The injury forced Mullin to stay behind while the rest of the squad flew back to the UK on July 28. He needed time for his lung to heal before visiting a specialist upon his return. However, the good news is that Mullin is now back on the training ground and gradually increasing his activity levels.
Parkinson expressed his satisfaction with Mullin’s progress, saying, “Each day he gets stronger. He has had a long period of inactivity. But he is out back running on the training ground, doing unopposed stuff, finishing, etc. He is looking good.” While no specific timeline has been set for his return, it is expected to be a few weeks as Mullin’s ribs need to fully heal.
The news of Mullin’s return to training comes as a welcome boost for Wrexham following their controversial exit from the Carabao Cup to Bradford City. The match saw an early penalty awarded to Bradford, which left Parkinson incensed. Referee Ben Speedie deemed that Aaron Hayden had fouled Jamie Walker inside the area, leading to Tyler Smith converting the penalty. However, Will Boyle’s headed goal from a corner in the second half equalized the score, sending the tie to penalties, where Bradford emerged victorious with a 4-3 win.
Parkinson expressed his frustration with the penalty decision, highlighting the inconsistency in refereeing decisions. He referred to a League Managers’ meeting where Howard Webb, the chief executive of Professional Game Match Officials Limited, discussed a higher tolerance level for physical challenges. Parkinson believed that the penalty awarded against his team was an “absolute nothing incident” and criticized the referee’s inability to see it clearly. He also questioned why the linesman, who had a better view, did not intervene.
While Parkinson was adamant that the decision was wrong, Bradford manager Mark Hughes supported the referee’s call, stating that Walker was impeded and it was a foul. The disagreement over the penalty decision further adds fuel to the ongoing debate surrounding refereeing standards in football.
Despite the disappointment of their cup exit, Wrexham can take solace in Mullin’s progress and the prospect of his imminent return. As the team’s top goalscorer, Mullin’s presence on the field will undoubtedly boost their attacking prowess and increase their chances of success in future matches.
Wrexham will also be hoping to address their defensive vulnerabilities, having conceded 13 goals in recent games. While Mullin’s return will bolster their attacking options, it is crucial for the team to tighten up at the back to improve their overall performance. Analyzing their defensive woes and identifying areas for improvement will be essential for Wrexham to achieve their goals this season.
As Mullin continues his recovery and gradually returns to full fitness, Wrexham fans eagerly await his comeback. His goalscoring ability and influence on the pitch make him a vital asset for the team. With Mullin back in action, Wrexham will be looking to bounce back from their cup disappointment and make a strong push for success in their upcoming fixtures.
In conclusion, Paul Mullin’s return to non-contact training is a positive development for Wrexham. Manager Phil Parkinson has expressed his satisfaction with Mullin’s progress, and while no specific timeline has been set for his return, it is expected to be a few weeks as he recovers from his rib injuries. Mullin’s presence on the field will provide a significant boost to Wrexham’s attacking prowess. Despite their recent cup exit and controversy surrounding refereeing decisions, Wrexham will be hoping to address their defensive vulnerabilities and improve their overall performance. As Mullin continues his recovery, Wrexham fans eagerly anticipate his comeback and the positive impact he will have on the team’s fortunes.