A Wrexham player who was hardly used during the promotion run-in last season now wants to be at the ‘forefront’ of Phil Parkinson’s plans.
A big clearout at Wrexham has started this summer ahead of their toughest challenge yet, battling against some of League One’s powerhouses.
Phil Parkinson made the tough decision to let go of nine first-team players from his squad, but it was ultimately the right one, as the 56-year-old attempts to assemble a squad that is more than good enough to compete.
Parkinson has revealed he’s currently looking at who is available in the free transfer market while assessing those players with one year left on their contracts.
If Wrexham have proven anything since Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds arrived in Wales, they’re brilliant at nailing their recruitment strategy, and it will have to be spot on to achieve a third successive promotion.
Jordan Davies wants to be at the ‘forefront’ of Phil Parkinson’s plans
In the summer, there are opportunities for every player to impress as Wrexham embark on their pre-season tour of North America.
The Reds will play against Premier League opposition Chelsea and Bournemouth, in what will be a tough workout for the players.
Jordan Davies – who rarely featured for Wrexham last term – will be eager to impress his manager.
The Welsh midfielder suffered multiple injury niggles and couldn’t break into a quality midfield, making just two starts all season.
Now, he’s desperate to be at the ‘forefront’ of his manager’s plans and believes he’s capable of flourishing in League One.
Speaking to The Leader, Davies said: “I was frustrated that I picked up little injuries along the way but I was fit for most of the season.
“When I was called upon. I tried to do my best but I didn’t really have the run of games that I would have liked to have seen myself in the best light.
“I’ll get myself in the possible shape and have another good pre-season, hopefully get a couple of goals and get in the manager’s eye ready for League One.
“I have had three years with the gaffer so he understands my game and he understands my strengths.
“Hopefully I can bring them to the forefront in League One.”
Last chance for Jordan Davies to impress
If Davies’ deal was expiring in 2024, perhaps he would have experienced the same outcome as Ben Tozer, Aaron Hayden and Luke Young, leaving the club upon the expiration of their contracts.
Luckily for the 25-year-old, his deal at the Racecourse Ground doesn’t expire until 2025, meaning he’ll have one more season to impress Parkinson.
Davies played a prominent role in Wrexham’s rise into the Football League, playing 27 times in their National League winning campaign whilst netting 15 goals in the season prior.
The midfielder has showcased his wand of a left foot on multiple occasions but injuries and falling down the pecking order have prevented him from unleashing it as much as he would have liked.
A full pre-season will give the Welshman a chance to stake his claim for a place in the side, although with George Evans, James McClean, Elliot Lee and Andy Cannon to compete with, opportunities could be at a premium for the hometown boy.