Chelsea FA Cup matchup seen as ‘remarkable diversion’ for Wrexham pursuing promotion
Wrexham’s captain Dominic Hyam has described Saturday’s FA Cup fifth round match at home against Chelsea as an “incredible distraction” from their pursuit of promotion as they aim to create further history in the tournament.
Phil Parkinson’s squad has achieved three consecutive victories in the Championship, solidifying their position in the top six as they strive for what would be an extraordinary fourth consecutive promotion season, but they will pause to host the club world champions in north Wales this weekend.
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“It might be seen as a distraction, but what a remarkable distraction it is,” Hyam stated. “You aspire to compete against the best teams and players. This is what you strive for, facing Premier League clubs in the FA Cup.
“We hope to reach that level one day and be a Premier League team competing in the FA Cup as well.”
Hyam, who joined from Blackburn in the summer, netted his first goal for Wrexham in the third round against Nottingham Forest, a match that ended 3-3 before the Red Dragons triumphed 4-3 in the penalty shootout.
Prior to the Hollywood allure of recent times, the club’s most notable moment came in 1992 when they achieved a famous FA Cup upset against Arsenal while still in the Fourth Division.
The current team has already eliminated a Premier League side this season by defeating Forest in the third round, and Hyam is eager to seize the opportunity to make further history.
“Before the Forest match, the manager showed us numerous clips highlighting Wrexham’s history and some significant games from many years ago,” Hyam remarked. “We hope to leverage that experience now, having beaten Forest as another example, so this is another chance to forge our own legacy.”
Similar to the club he joined in September, the 30-year-old Hyam has experienced various divisions throughout his career, which began in Reading’s academy.
Loan stints with Hemel Hempstead, Basingstoke, and Dagenham & Redbridge provided him with exposure to the lower leagues before his time at Coventry, where he achieved two promotions from League Two to the Championship.
This journey has given Hyam a deeper appreciation for opportunities like the one on Saturday.
“I believe it is crucial to acknowledge what your past self has accomplished, and what the Dom of ten years ago might think of the current Dom,” he expressed.
“With every opportunity I receive, I give 100% in every match I play, and I think it is important to value your journey.
“Not every season and every match is straightforward; you will make mistakes and learn along the way, but it is the belief and internal drive that I think keeps you moving forward.”
