Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson believes his side do not need to make multiple signings this summer and he would rather be patient and sign the players at the top of his wanted list, according to The Leader.
Wrexham enjoyed a terrific campaign last term and eventually came out on top in a memorable title race with Notts County after the despair of playoff defeat in the previous season, ending a 15-year wait to return to the Football League. With the backing of Hollywood superstars, Parkinson could have his pick of players in the lower leagues but the former Bradford City manager insists he is looking to add only those who will improve what he already has.
What’s been said?
When quizzed about his recruitment plans, Parkinson said, “We have had a few meetings with players but nothing is close yet. We know which players we want and we are just going through the process of speaking to players, agents and clubs, and getting a feel for the market.”
He continued, “It is seeing if we can get the players at the top of our list. We are trying to get the players we feel will improve us because we have already got a good squad anyway. The squad is strong numbers-wise at the moment so with the ones we are bringing in, it is important we add quality to what we have already got.”
When asked about the needs of the squad following last season’s playoff disappointment to Grimsby Town, Parkinson said, “I think everybody knows we needed more players this time last summer.”
“We have always said that we are trying to build a squad which can progress with the club, and sign players who can keep moving forward with us. The squad doesn’t need major surgery this summer.”
After last season’s success, thoughts quickly turn to the new League Two campaign and Parkinson was confident his squad are preparing well and looking forward to the kick-off.
“We have got a great group of lads who are working hard in the off-season. Everybody is enjoying the break but equally, starting to have one eye on when the fixtures come out in a couple of weeks,” added Parkinson.
Writer’s View
With the financial backing that Wrexham have, it is little surprise that players will be touted around as potential signings and it was just a few days ago that Callum wrote about their reported pursuit of a Scottish Premier League striker and of course, there is the uncertainty as to whether Ben Foster will sign on for another year. We have also seen rumours of players like Gareth Bale being ready to join the Welsh side and recapture his Real Madrid European Cup-winning form on a cold Tuesday night at Barrow.
The Wrexham squad size would suggest that a lot of incomings would require at least some to leave The Racecourse and with the money that they have allegedly spent since the Hollywood takeover it is hardly surprising that the manager believes the squad are strong and can compete in League Two.
Football, as we know, is full of surprises and questions that keep us fascinated and this League Two season promises to do just that. The well-backed Wrexham are joining Football League stalwarts Notts County back in the division, one that already contains sides like Bradford and Stockport who will be looking to go one better this year. It will be interesting to see how Wrexham approach their transfer dealings, how well they will perform and how loyal the owners are to the manager should things not go as they would hope in a very competitive and unforgiving league.
That being said, I don’t think many of us would be surprised should Wrexham pull off a marquee signing or two before August 5th.
