Phil Parkinson was asked about the future of Harry Ashfield in his pre-match press conference for Wrexham’s third round FA Cup tie against Nottingham Forest
PRESTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 26: Harry Ashfield of Wrexham celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Preston North End and Wrexham at Deepdale on August 26, 2025 in Preston, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)(Image: (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images))
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has offered an update on the 19-year-old Harry Ashfield, who Bristol Rovers are looking to sign on loan during the January transfer window.
Bristol Live reported on Wednesday that the Gas are leading the race for the young midfielder, with the player keen on the move if Parkinson approves it.
A first approach for Ashfield was made on Monday, and the Gas are said to have made the most compelling pitch to the Wrexham academy graduate. Two League One clubs and three League Two clubs have expressed interest, including Cambridge United, who are currently sixth in the fourth tier.
READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: Bristol Rovers leading the race to sign Wrexham’s Harry Ashfield
OPINION
The Red Dragons host Premier League Nottingham Forest in the third round of the FA Cup today, and in yesterday’s pre-match press conference, Parkinson was asked if there is a potential loan on the cards for Ashfield. “There’s a lot of clubs ringing about Harry Ash and rightly so because he’s a very good player,” the 58-year-old said.
“I feel he’s been a bit unlucky if you look at his performances in the Carabao Cup, they were really good, he’s warranted a bit more game time, but he’s in the squad tomorrow, and he’s with us for the time being.
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“That’s just, you know, the January window, there’s a lot of moving parts, and there’s obviously going to be interest in Harry because people will be watching those performances in the cup competition, but at the moment he’s involved with us, and we’ll make a decision when it’s right for us.”
PRESTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 26: Harry Ashfield of Wrexham celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Preston North End and Wrexham at Deepdale on August 26, 2025 in Preston, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)(Image: (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images))
The RobRyanRed podcast released the first exclusive concerning Ashfield on Tuesday afternoon, providing the following update on X:
“Exc: Understand Bristol Rovers are pushing hard to get Harry Ashfield on loan this month.
“Around a handful of L1/L2 teams have expressed interest but Rovers said to be front of the queue as it stands.
“Up to Wrexham to sanction loan this window.”
The ball looks like it’s in Wrexham’s court now, and it is clear Rovers are keen on bringing in Ashfield if Parkinson sanctions the move.
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Who is Harry Ashfield?
The 19-year-old is an academy graduate at the Red Dragons, making his debut for the club on October 10, 2023, in an EFL Trophy game against Crewe Alexandra. Ashfield has made nine first-team appearances for Phil Parkinson’s side, scoring twice. His first goal came in a round of 16 Vertu Trophy at Port Vale in February 2025 before a second strike against Preston in the second round of the EFL Cup six months later.
The energetic midfielder made his first league appearance this season in Wrexham’s 2-0 win against Blackburn in the Championship, coming on for the final three minutes.
Next up for the Gas is a round of 16 tie against Plymouth Argyle in the Vertu Trophy, followed by a home game against Colchester United in the league four days later.
READ MORE: Steve Evans explains decision to end five loans and discusses Bristol Rovers January plans
OPINION
