Phil Parkinson needs to action Ryan Hardie re-think at Wrexham AFC - Plymouth Argyle evidence cannot be ignored | OneFootball

Ryan Hardie deserves to have another look given his reputation at Plymouth Argyle.

While many newcomers to Wrexham AFC have been impactful in the Championship this season, there’s one who’s been noticeably absent.

Ryan Hardie was the first new face Phil Parkinson signed during the summer transfer window. A flurry of transfers since then seems to have left Plymouth Argyle’s top scorer last season lost in the shuffle. While he’s got a reputation for being a streaky player, it feels as though his talent is being wasted at Wrexham.

Wrexham have struggled to get production from their substitutes

Making the proper substitutions can completely change the complexion of a match, and we saw the kind of impact bench players can have with the Red Dragons last season. Steven Fletcher was a classic example of someone whose energy and nose for the goal made a huge difference in the Welsh side’s campaign.

Impactful substitutes are something Parkinson needs more of if this team is to steer clear of the relegation zone.

Nathan Broadhead has clearly been the best substitute the Wrexham boss has utilised throughout the campaign, but he’s playing so well that he deserves to start. Outside of him, there hasn’t been anyone else who can lift a side like Fletcher did last season.

He may not be able to do the things that a Kieffer Moore or Josh Windass can, but Hardie is a striker that Parkinson should look towards more often. Hardie isn’t the super-physical type, but he has numerous handy attributes.

Among them, aside from his experience at this level, is his mobility, being deceptively quick, while his intelligence in exploiting space is also evident. Hardie adds something different when compared to Wrexham’s key talisman, Kieffer Moore, an ability to press effectively and chase down the ball all over the pitch.

Against teams with robust centre-backs, Moore and Windass could be handled, but Hardie’s speed could cause opposing teams problems.

Phil Parkinson cannot ignore Ryan Hardie’s reputation at Plymouth Argyle

The Red Dragons aren’t paying Hardie the kind of wages their other attacking players are earning, which could make him a bargain. Per Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, Plymouth Argyle were paid approximately £700,000 for him to come to North Wales.

During his days with the Pilgrims, he had his share of strong performances. Even though they were relegated last season, Hardie was in no way to blame for the descent. There is plenty of evidence from seasons past which suggests Hardie should be playing a bigger role with the Red Dragons than he has so far.

He’s cracked the starting 11 only twice, and there’s no reason for Parkinson to change course and bring him in to begin a Championship fixture anytime soon. That said, in games where Wrexham look lost or in need of a boost, he’s an ideal player to bring on. Like the previous campaign, there have been countless times this season when this side has needed a pick-me-up.

While Hardie featured in the Plymouth starting 11 often last season, there is evidence to suggest he would relish a super sub role under Parkinson. He scored 10 goals in the previous Championship campaign with six coming in the final 45 minutes. He also netted three times as a substitute. In addition to that, five of his goals scored in this competition last season were match-winners.

Some missed chances earlier this season at Wrexham seem to have banished him to the bench permanently. Give him time, though, and he’s likely to produce something magical like we saw in the Carabao Cup against Preston North End.

There may be many matches where he’s not on the scoresheet, but Hardie also has a knack for scoring in big games. Let’s not forget he netted the winner from the penalty spot, enabling the Pilgrims to upset Liverpool in the FA Cup earlier this year.

He’s netted double-digits for goals in each of his previous four EFL league campaigns.

Bottom line: Wrexham need someone who brings something different and can thrive in the clutch, and Hardie fits those qualities to a tee.