Just three weeks remain between now and the start of the new EFL season, and for Wrexham, expectations are high.
The Hollywood-backed club are back in the headlines having jetted off to the US of A for another pre-season tour, this time traipsing up America’s West Coast to face Premier League sides Bournemouth and Chelsea before breaking new ground with a visit to Canada to face the MLS side Vancouver White Caps.
The team is expected to be met with as much adulation as they were last summer, if not more. But what can we expect in the coming weeks and months ahead of the new season? And where are Wrexham in their ongoing preparatory plans for life in League One?
Who has left Wrexham?
Wrexham made history as they won successive promotions for the first time in the club’s long history and returned to League One after a 19-year absence from the third tier.
Less than an hour after the Red Dragons’ final match of the season at the Racecourse, manager Phil Parkinson was already explaining to the media in attendance of next season’s plans. A club that has endeared itself to many through a meticulously crafted but charmingly fun docuseries would need to be ruthless.
Days later, Wrexham announced the release of eight players: Ben Tozer, Luke Young, Aaron Hayden, Rob Lainton, Callum McFadzean, Jordan Tunnicliffe, Owen Cushion and Dan Davies. Meanwhile, James McClean and Steven Fletcher were both given new contracts.
Ben Tozer and Luke Young were with Wrexham from the National League promotion days (
Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)
Who has joined Wrexham?
Wrexham’s HP printer has been whirring at a nice speed this summer with five additions to the squad. Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, 22, has returned to the Racecourse on a free transfer from Arsenal following the promising shot-stopper’s successful loan spell last summer.
Highly-rated young defender Lewis Brunt has joined from Leicester City for an undisclosed fee. Wrexham beat Mansfield to the signing, with whom Brunt spent last season on loan with and impressed playing alongside Aden Flint as a left-sided centre-back in a back four.
Versatile midfielder George Dobson has joined from Charlton Athletic, having already worked with Parkinson while at Sunderland. Dobson’s leadership qualities were hailed by Parkinson and will be an important addition to the squad with the loss of veterans Ben Tozer and Luke Young.
Lewis Brunt is a big signing for Wrexham (
Getty)
Full-back Seb Revan, 21, has joined from Aston Villa on a three-year deal in what is seen as a big move for the Welsh club. Revan made his competitive debut for Villa in the Europa Conference League last August before joining Championship-side Rotherham United on loan, where he made 36 appearances for the south Yorkshire club.
The goalkeeping contingent has been bolstered with the addition of Callum Burton, 27, on a free transfer from Plymouth Argyle. Burton previously played with Paul Mullin at Cambridge United during the club’s League Two promotion season in 2020/21.
What do Wrexham still need?
Parkinson did not play coy in addressing the positions that needed bolstering for the upcoming season. Goalkeeper, centre-back, left back, central midfielder and striker were all areas in need of improvement.
Thus far, Wrexham’s recruitment has done well to fill many of the holes. Okonkwo’s signing was a show of intent from Wrexham as they fought off interest around the EFL for the ex-Gunner. Brunt is viewed as an excellent signing for the present and future following the departure of many defensive stalwarts. Meanwhile, Dobson and Revan fill the central midfield and left-back holes respectively. The recruitments thus far have been hailed for their experience and potential to develop.
Further forward remains the key area in need of recruitment, particularly given Mullin’s recent injury record. While Fletcher played a key role in Wrexham’s promotion campaign last term in front of goal (the 37-year-old supplied eight goals in 33 appearances), Wrexham know they need to recruit a young striker to help out with the goal responsibilities next term.
Wrexham have been linked with a number of options, including Millwall striker Tom Bradshaw, while a potential loan move for Tottenham Hotspur striker Will Lankshear has been mooted.
Wrexham have also been linked with a move for Wales international central midfielder Joe Morrell, who has left Portsmouth upon the expiration of his contract.
What’s the deal with the academy?
After a brief moment of uncertainty, Wrexham were granted Category Three academy status in a major boost for the Welsh club’s ambitions to scale the EFL and one day achieve Premier League glory.
The status arrived after Wrexham were given extra time to bring facilities up to the necessary standard following a four-day inspection by the Professional Game Academy Audit Company (PGAAC) during the spring.
Wrexham have committed to building a new multi-million pound facility for their youth set-up – which include five pitches, a classroom, an analysis room and changing rooms – at nearby Darland High School in Rossett.
