Wrexham loaned hero Elliot Lee backs his aimed comment at Phil Parkinson with a masterclass debut performance for Doncaster Rovers.
After a sluggish January window beginning, the deadline day was worthwhile entertainment for Wrexham and its fans. While every signing or exit had an exciting script, the Ryan Hardie saga was among the notable ones of the evening.
Despite being touted for a fresh start elsewhere, Phil Parkinson’s timely comment halted Hardie’s exit for a while. Though he was lucky to complete a move in the end, he would’ve felt confined by the gaffer’s Wrexham priority.
Notably, this wasn’t the only incident with Parky at the centre of controversy. While Hardie didn’t bother to react to the manager’s comment after his departure, another Wrexham player didn’t hide his feelings for Parkinson at all.
The player in discussion is none other than club hero, Elliot Lee. While he got to choose his preferred Doncaster Rovers move, the midfielder took a dig aimed at Phil Parkinson in his inaugural interview after a loan exit.
Elliot Lee said: “Obviously, a lot of frustration from leaving Wrexham to come here because you obviously had such a successful three seasons and found myself out of favor, but that’s football. So, I want to come here and and play for a manager that values me again.”
Lee’s frustration stems from Parky sidelining him from his Wrexham plans despite the role he’s played in the club’s back-to-back-to-back promotions. However, Lee didn’t overexplain himself and let his game do the talking with a sensational debut for Doncaster Rovers.
Elliot Lee backs himself with masterclass debut
Before his League One move, Elliot Lee’s last game at the senior level came back in September in the EFL Cup. Naturally, his availability remained in doubt for the latest game against Burton Albion.
But not only was Elliot Lee named in the starting XI by boss Grant McCann, the midfielder also paid back the manager’s faith instantly. Despite lacking game rhythm, Lee looked flawless as he used to be in Wrexham colours before the injury.
Though Lee operated as an attacking midfielder by trait, he provided all-around stability to Doncaster’s midfield. Dropping back when needed and being excellent in attack, Elliot Lee was the star of the show.
READ MORE: ‘Got rid’ – Josh Windass sends hilarious welcome to £1m Wrexham signing
READ MORE: Wrexham made only one January transfer mistake (it can come to haunt later)
READ MORE: Ryan Hardie turns down Plymouth Argyle and Bolton for League One rivals
Early in the game, he played the ball to Hakeeb Adelakun, which ended as a spot kick reward for Doncaster. Apart from this pre-assist, Lee himself came immensely close to scoring near the half-hour mark.
Elliot Lee’s beautiful close-range volley forced an exceptional save from the Burton keeper. While a goal on his debut would’ve been the perfect beginning, the loanee did more than required to seal a win for his side.
Even Lee’s substitution caught public praise as the home fans gave him a standing ovation before he came off for EFL legend Billy Sharp.
Did Wrexham go wrong with Lee’s loan call?
Having won awards like the Players’ Player of the season for the 23/24 campaign, PFA League Two Team of the Year nomination, among many others, Elliot Lee has earned the status of a Wrexham legend.
Despite his best season coming in the 23/24 campaign, Lee has been pivotal to Wrexham’s story throughout his spell. From that perspective, sidelining him on the back of an 11 G/A season was unjust to Elliot Lee.
It becomes further harsh on Lee if considering that his successor, Josh Windass, isn’t a younger or long-term option than him. Still, that’s not forgetting how Parky and Wrexham’s call ultimately proved true with Lee’s knee concerns.
Ultimately, neither Phil Parkinson nor Elliot Lee are to be blamed for what happened. It’s simply the unjust nature of football that scripted this, with Lee falling out of Wrexham’s plans despite being a club hero.
The fact that doesn’t fall in Wrexham’s favour is that no matter how Elliot Lee performs for Doncaster, his Reds’ return is complicated. With the bridges burned between him and Parky, it’d take a miracle to have him continue after his contract expires this summer.
READ MORE WREXHAM NEWS HERE:
- ‘Got rid’ – Josh Windass sends hilarious welcome to £1m Wrexham signing
- Wrexham made only one January transfer mistake (it can come to haunt later)
- Ryan Hardie turns down Plymouth Argyle and Bolton for League One rivals
- Wrexham fan favourite Jacob Mendy bids goodbye for League One return
- Elliot Lee becomes Wrexham’s 5th League One exit in January
