SAD NEWS: Phil Parkinson has been hospitalized due to serious health challenge according to reports his survival is certain…..
Wrexham handed veteran striker Steven Fletcher a new contract on Tuesday. The 37-year-old impressed during his first campaign at the Racecourse Ground, plundering eight goals from 10 league starts.
The second most clinical player in Phil Parkinson’s squad, behind only Paul Mullin, the former Premier League marksman was rewarded for his “immense” impact on and off the pitch.
Fletcher will now celebrate his 38th birthday in March as a Wrexham player and Parkinson expects him to be an important asset in League One.
Understandably, the news of him staying for at least one more year was well received by supporters however, it’s given Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds a headache to resolve this summer.
Fletcher agreeing terms on a new deal means that Wrexham now have 21 players signed up for the 2024/25 campaign.
Parkinson is only allowed to name a maximum of 22 in his roster, which has presented him with an issue to resolve.
The 56-year-old discovered first-hand the struggles of managing a big squad last term as he was forced into leaving Anthony Forde and Callum McFadzean out.
Wrexham need at least six new signings across multiple positions to challenge towards the playoffs next season and to do so, he must offload some more of his deadwood.
Parkinson already waved goodbye to several senior players, including Ben Tozer, Aaron Hayden and Luke Young, though more must follow them out of the door.
For Wrexham to pursue the targets at the top of their wishlist, Parkinson must sell multiple of his fringe players and there are plenty who could depart.
The Reds currently have seven strikers under contract heading into 2024/25 however, only Mullin, Fletcher, Ollie Palmer and Jack Marriott will play a realistic part in his plans.
Whereas, Billy Waters needs to move on permanently while Jake Bickerstaff and Sam Dalby would benefit from loan spells away from the club.
Jordan Davies – a graduate of Wrexham’s youth side – is another who could be shifted out temporarily as it’s unlikely he’ll dislodge James McClean, Andy Cannon or Elliot Lee for a starting spot in midfield.
Likewise, right wing-back Anthony Forde will struggle for minutes ahead of Luke Bolton and Ryan Barnett so he’s better off departing.
Parkinson’s bloated squad needs relieving of some more dead wood before he can make a serious dent in his transfer plans as he doesn’t want to face a scenario where he’s leaving players unlisted instead of shifting them on.
Traditionally Wrexham’s rivals have been local foes Chester but with the English side in the National League North and Wrexham in League One it is unlikely they will face off anytime soon.
Historically it has been a closely contested rivalry with 54 fixtures played. Wrexham have had 22 victories and 21 losses with the sides drawing on 11 occasions.
No doubt heading into the League campaign Shrewsbury will be looking to ruin the Red Dragon’s first League One campaign since the 2004/05 season.
