It’s not the player you may assume, but Phil Parkinson has a player at Wrexham with “real quality” who is unreplaceable.
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds are predicted by a finance expert to make large purchases at Wrexham when the summer transfer market opens.
Though there have been connections to a number of players, notably Brighton midfielder Marc Leonard, free agent Marvin Ekpiteta, and Wigan Athletic’s Jason Kerr, there are currently no indications that they will be cashing in.
Phil Parkinson has a strong eye for players at all positions, so it’s easy to forget he has a League One team at his disposal. Paul Mullin, Eoghan O’Connell, Andy Cannon, and Elliot Lee are among the others who are prepared to take the next step.
Parkinson cannot replace one guy, though, who was overlooked the previous season.
Tom O’Connor of Wrexham during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round game on January 7, 2024 in Shrewsbury Town versus Wrexham at New Meadow…
James Baylis’s photo from AMA/Getty Images
Wrexham cannot replace Tom O’Connor.
After being taken prisoner from Burton Albion in January 2022, Tom O’Connor has been instrumental in their ascent through the ranks.
Three years after playing in the third division with Burton, O’Connor is gearing up for life in League One after beginning his Wrexham career in the National League.
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The former Republic of Ireland under-21 player appeared in 34 League Two games and contributed three assists in the previous campaign.
O’Connor demonstrated his adaptability by playing a variety of positions, including deep-lying, advanced midfielder, and left center-back.
Parkinson praised the 25-year-old for his “real quality” after he provided the assist for Cannon’s goal against Grimsby Town. The player thrived in both areas of the field.
It is rare for a player to feel at ease playing in the middle of the field or the back three. Nevertheless, O’Connor, who won 61% of his duels, retrieved 5.3 balls per game, and produced eight great opportunities in 2023–2024, made that adjustment appear so simple.
This summer, Wrexham will be trying to strengthen their midfield and defense, but Parkinson simply cannot replace O’Connor, therefore his position on the left side of a back three should be assured.
Championship teams requested Tom O’Connor during the summer.
After they were promoted to League Two, where O’Connor played a key role, several Championship clubs expressed interest in signing the adaptable Irishman.
The Daily Mirror said that Coventry City was monitoring the former Southampton player, and even though no bid was put in, it indicates that he is well-regarded by outsiders.
This summer, Parkinson will likely face increased interest in the defense given his recent stellar play at a higher level and manager-dream status.
Nevertheless, Wrexham’s team is loaded with League One talent, with O’Connor leading the pack, which puts them in a strong position as they enter the third division.
