Phil Parkinson: Wrexham had to block outside noise

Manager Phil Parkinson says Wrexham had to "block everything out" as they responded to recent criticism with a convincing 4-1 Championship victory over Preston North End at the Racecourse.

Wrexham returned to winning ways after suffering a disappointing 2-1 home defeat by West Bromwich Albion in midweek.

Reports suggesting pressure was beginning to mount on Parkinson following a slow start to the campaign.

"I have managed over 1,000 games so I'm used to that," Parkinson told BBC Radio Wales Sport.

"When you lose at any level, criticism comes the manager's way and the players' way and you've got to accept that.

"Obviously the criticism of Wrexham is intensified because of the profile of the club."

First goals for the club from Joe Worrall and Ben Whiteman helped Wrexham establish a 2-1 half-time lead.

Sam Smith and Kieffer Moore's second half goals completed an emphatic victory over the Championship's bottom side.

"We couldn't wait to get back out here today," Parkinson said.

"I look at it as a challenge. Me and Steve [Parkin] were itching to get back in with the lads on Thursday and bring the group together.

"We thought long and hard about the team selection and the style of play we needed to implement.

"Sometimes you've got to block everything out and put in a performance like we did today.

"I'm very confident we've got a squad that can be really competitive this season. I really am."

Parkinson also pointed to an extensive injury list as a major factor in Wrexham's inconsistent start, with players including Max Cleworth, Nathan Broadhead and Dan Sheaf currently sidelined.

"I don't want to keep going on about the injuries, but it's been unprecedented, probably the worst spell we've had in my time here.

"We've lost a lot of quality and football ability on the pitch.

"But those players will come back and we'll have great competition for places. I really believe in this group.

"While we're waiting for those players to return, it's about galvanising the squad and finding ways to be more effective."