After signing Josh Windass following his departure from Sheffield Wednesday, Wrexham continues to make shrewd moves in the transfer market. Now, though, with a season in the Championship to navigate, things will undoubtedly be tougher for Phil Parkinson and his players, although proven signings like Windass will surely aid their cause.
Wrexham have been on a remarkable journey since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over the club. Since the global stars came in, club fans have witnessed three spectacular promotion campaigns. The club has plenty of financial muscle behind it, but that doesn’t always guarantee success, particularly if a strong recruitment team isn’t in place. Thankfully, Wrexham rarely gets a signing wrong.
American fans everywhere
Today, with a fanbase established in America thanks to the success of their Disney+ show, Welcome to Wrexham, sports fans across the pond who usually watch the UFC and bet after assessing the latest NFL betting odds have become gripped by Wrexham’s rise and are now firmly a part of their story. With signings like Windass through the door, these same fans will be hoping to witness another special campaign in the Championship, although the club is no longer a big fish given the money swirling around the league.
Transfer business done right.
Wrexham will undoubtedly enjoy their season in the Championship, though. And while it has probably come around far sooner than many fans would’ve expected, their remarkable story is mainly down to financial backing and shrewd acquisitions in the shape of Windass. With that in mind, below we highlight some of Wrexham’s most significant ever signings, highlighting just how important it is for clubs to get their recruitment right.
Paul Mullin was the starter.
Nobody knew how much money Wrexham had to work with in the early stages of the new owners’ time in charge of the club. It soon became apparent, though, when the Welsh side managed to pull off a relative coup by snapping up Paul Mullin from League One side Cambridge United. Dropping two divisions in the process, Mullin was given big wages for the level in 2021, and it was a move that proved to be a stroke of genius. Mullin has since scored 110 goals in 170 games in all competitions, playing a key role in their promotion-winning period. Sadly, though, the Wrexham legend won’t be there to enjoy the club’s season in the Championship after recently joining Wigan Athletic on loan. Still, he’ll always be regarded as arguably the club’s most pivotal signing.
Ollie Palmer soon followed.
After recruiting Paul Mullin from League One side Cambridge United, Wrexham didn’t stop there. With AFC Wimbledon struggling in the same competition, the Red Dragons offered around £300,000 to the fan-owned club for striker Ollie Palmer. Given their limitations, the Wombles couldn’t refuse such a lucrative offer, leaving Wrexham with yet another big signing from a higher division. Palmer played his part in their promotion-winning campaign from the National League and League One, although his time appears to be up at the club.
Ollie Rathbone’s experience at a higher level proved vital.
(Image via https://x.com/fearlessidzine
Heading into last season, Wrexham needed to bolster the midfield area of the pitch. Step forward, Ollie Rathbone. With Championship and League One experience, Rathbone settled in easily and became a reliable presence in the midfield engine room. He was purchased from Rotherham United for £414,000 and proved to be a great signing.
Special mention must also go to Ben Foster, James McClean, and Ben Tozer.
