Will Boyle has ended his Wrexham AFC stay after just one season, joining Shrewsbury Town on a two-year deal despite having 12 months left on his current contract.
The 29-year-old centre-back struggled for game time during the Red Dragons’ League One campaign, making just four appearances across all competitions – none in the league itself. His limited involvement came in three EFL Trophy group games and a Carabao Cup first round defeat to Sheffield United, with injuries also playing a significant part in curtailing his momentum.
Wrexham Boss Makes Departure Admission
Manager Phil Parkinson confirmed the decision was mutual, admitting Boyle’s chances of featuring regularly in the Championship next season were slim following Wrexham’s back-to-back promotions.
“Boyley is another player who had a disrupted season through injury,” Parkinson said. “Tom O’Connor started the season on the left of the back three, Lewis Brunt came in and Boyley was struggling to get fit anyway. He didn’t contribute as much as he would have liked but he’s been a great lad to have around. We wish him all the best.”
The manager also emphasised the importance of clearing space for summer recruits, adding that decisions like this are necessary to keep the squad competitive.
“Even though he had a year left, he couldn’t go through another season where he wasn’t playing – then you can become a forgotten man in football,” he said. “We’ve got to make the numbers add up. If we’re going to bring players in, we’ve got to make room with players going out.”
Boyle joined Wrexham in the summer of 2023 from Huddersfield Town and featured prominently in his debut season, making 28 appearances and scoring six goals as the club secured promotion from League Two. But with competition increasing and injuries derailing his rhythm, the defender has opted to drop back down to the fourth tier to revive his career.
Despite limited action in 2024–25, Boyle remains an influential figure off the pitch. He was elected to the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Players’ Board last season, further underlining his standing within the game.
Writer’s View
This move feels like a smart and necessary decision for all involved. Boyle was never going to get consistent minutes in a Championship-bound Wrexham side, especially behind the likes of O’Connor and Brunt. His ability and leadership remain valuable assets, and Shrewsbury should benefit from a fresh and motivated defender with a point to prove.
For Wrexham, it clears the decks for higher-level recruitment – and ensures a loyal pro doesn’t waste another year watching from the sidelines.
