Wrexham continued their excellent transfer window on Monday by confirming the signings of goalkeeper Callum Burton and versatile defender Sebastian Revan.
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds outlined their desire to reach the Championship with Wrexham and getting their business done early supplements that ambition.
Following the arrivals of Arthur Okonkwo, Lewis Brunt and George Dobson, Phil Parkinson completed the double acquisition of Aston Villa defender Sebastian Revan and goalkeeper Callum Burton on Monday evening.
Whilst Revan will add strong competition for Jacob Mendy at left-back, Burton’s role will be to challenge first-choice keeper Okonkwo.
Burton was signed on a free transfer following his release from Plymouth Argyle, with the 27-year-old agreeing on a two-year contract at the Racecourse Ground.
Callum Burton explains why he signed for Wrexham
Throughout his career as a goalkeeper, Burton has become used to playing second fiddle. The 6 ft 2 shot-stopper made just 32 appearances for Plymouth in three campaigns but did play 18 times in their League One title-winning campaign, keeping eight clean sheets.
A dependable player when called upon, Parkinson wanted a long-term backup for Okonkwo, with young goalkeeper Luke McNicholas sent on loan to Rochdale as a result.
At the moment, Wrexham’s rise up the football league is an exciting project to be a part of. They’re showing ambition in the transfer market and demonstrating a willingness to challenge for a third promotion in a row.
This was the selling point for Burton, who felt it was the ‘perfect’ time to join as Parkinson’s men embark on their pre-season tour of the United States.
Speaking to Wrexham’s official website, he said: “I’m really excited to join the Club. I spoke to the Manager, and he told me about the project, and it definitely was the place I wanted to come and play my football.
“The timing of signing couldn’t be better. It’s the perfect time for me to come in and meet all of the lads on the tour and it will be a nice way to settle myself in.”
Wrexham’s goalkeeping options assessed
Wrexham now have a highly competitive goalkeeping department following the arrival of Burton.
Okonkwo, who signed on a free transfer in June, is seemingly the first choice for Parkinson, with the 22-year-old impressing last term.
Veteran keeper Howard looked as though he was second in command but Burton signing suggests he could now drop down to third in the pecking order.
Howard signed a one-year contract extension at the end of the last season, keeping him at the club till 2025. The 37-year-old’s experience in the dressing room, much like Ben Tozer last term, will play an invaluable role off the pitch.
Whilst he’s used to playing second choice, Burton will have joined Wrexham possessing an ambition of dislodging Okonkwo and grabbing that number one jersey.
This competition is only positive for Okonkwo, who will have the hunger to impress even further ahead of their season opener against Wycombe Wanderers.