In order to get ready for life in League One, Wrexham will need to complete a few important tasks this summer. We’ve looked at how they might hypothetically match up.
Earlier this month, the Red Dragons released eight players, with manager Phil Parkinson stating that the main reason for the releases was to make room for new players.
Third division teams are only allowed to register 22 players in their squads, similar to League Two; goalkeepers and players under 21 are not allowed.
Wrexham presently has 19 players in their squad, but if they so like, they can increase that number by letting some of their current players go on loan or permanently.
Keeping that in mind, and with the transfer window starting in a few weeks, we’ve put together a ‘dream’ scenario of what Wrexham’s roster might look like in August.
Parkinson would prefer to stick with the same group of goalkeepers from the previous campaign.
Although he has not yet signed it, veteran goalie Mark Howard has been offered a new deal.
After a successful loan from Arsenal last season, out-of-contract goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo will hopefully sign a permanent deal with Wrexham. Luke McNicholas will remain as backup.
That might not be an overly difficult challenge, based on his prior remarks regarding the team; but, because Okonkwo is under 22, the Red Dragons would have to give the Gunners training compensation.
Wing-backs – Luke Bolton, James McClean, Ryan Barnett, Jacob Mendy, Jason McCarthy
According to reports, Wrexham is looking to add a right wing-back, and Jason McCarthy, who has been one of Wycombe’s most reliable right-backs in recent seasons, would be a great fit.
Due to toe surgery, the Englishman only played in 10 League One games for the Chairboys last season, but he still has one year remaining on his contract and a ton of third-tier experience.
Wrexham has extended a contract offer to James McClean, who should accept it. Luke Bolton, Ryan Barnett, and Jacob Mendy are the other important squad possibilities.
Centre-backs – Max Cleworth, Will Boyle, Thomas O’Connor, Eoghan O’Connell, Marvin Ekpiteta, Paddy McNair
Alongside McCarthy’s ability to play at centre-back, we’ve gone with six main central defenders as part of Wrexham’s 2024/25 squad.
Two of those will be new additions. Wrexham have been linked with a move for out-of-contract Blackpool defender Marvin Ekpiteta, who played for the club in League One this term but was named as their Player of the Season in the previous campaign in the Championship.
Elsewhere, former Manchester United academy graduate Paddy McNair is also set to be released by Middlesbrough, and can also provide a reliable option in central midfield having primarily played there at the Riverside Stadium.
Max Cleworth, meanwhile, will be aged 21 when the season starts and won’t need to be registered – meaning we can get another player in further down the line…
Midfielders – Andy Cannon, Jordan Davies, George Evans, James Jones, Elliot Lee, Greg Docherty, Ben Woodburn
Already possessing a strong midfield department despite several releases, we’re anticipating that Wrexham stick with most of their current contingent.
Andy Cannon and Elliot Lee are two of the club’s star players, scoring a combined 24 goals last season. West Ham academy graduate Lee scored 18 of them.
In terms of signings, ex-Liverpool youngster Ben Woodburn is a free agent following his Preston North End departure, and the Wales international might welcome a move to the Racecourse Ground to restart his career after a lack of game time this season.
Elsewhere, Scotland midfielder Greg Docherty has seen his game time at Hull cut as a result of their significant investment, but the 27-year-old is a proven commodity at League One and even Championship level. Wrexham would need to fend off reported interest from Blackburn, though.
Forwards – Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer, Jack Marriott, Steven Fletcher, Benji Magee
Wrexham reportedly wants a new striker, but they must first cut back on their personnel in that area.
The club may let go of Sam Dalby, Jake Bickerstaff, Billy Waters, and Anthony Forde on a temporary or permanent basis, freeing up space for Benji Magee, a 21-year-old striker, to take up the final roster position.
The Northern Irish Premiership last season saw the Loughgall striker score 16 goals, and according to Goal, Wrexham is interested in signing him.
Paul Mullin will continue to be a vital member of the third tier, and Jack Marriott will look to carry over some of the goals he scored for Peterborough in the 2017–18 League One season.
