Wrexham’s squad has rapidly improved in the last week or so, following what was a rather disappointing run of results during the pre-season tour of Australia and New Zealand.
Wrexham fans were concerned after defeat against Sydney FC earlier this month. Phil Parkinson’s side looked as though they were lacking in all departments of the pitch, but since then, Wrexham have signed four new players.
Whilst in New Zealand, Wrexham signed Liberato Cacace in a club record £4m deal, before breaking the transfer record again in the £5m signing of Lewis O’Brien from Nottingham Forest.
Meanwhile, Josh Windass has joined on a free transfer and George Thomason has arrived from Bolton Wanderers. Wrexham paid a reported fee of £1.2m for Thomason who captained Bolton Wanderers in League One last season.
He and O’Brien could well be the midfield pairing for Parkinson going into the season opener against Southampton next month, and Thomason could prove to be a signing that goes under the radar for the Dragons next season.
George Thomason’s former manager tips him for Premier League after Wrexham move
In Thomason’s first interview as a Wrexham player, he spoke about a number of things, including his journey to this point so far. The Barrow-born midfielder began his career in the non-league playing for Longridge Town before getting his break with Bolton Wanderers in 2020.
In five years with the Trotters, Thomason made 169 appearances, scoring 13 goals, but now he’ll play in the Championship for the first time and he’s even been backed to play in the Premier League one day. His former Longridge Town manager Lee Ashcroft has told The Bolton News how he expects Thomason to be a Premier League player one day.
Ashcroft said: “I still keep in touch with him now and I’m sure he’ll go to Wrexham and continue his progress. And you never know, he’ll end up in the Premiership this kid, he’s got everything.
“He’s a big, strong boy, he can see a pass, great attitude and I wish him all the best. I’m honoured to have managed him and I’d still say he’s a friend. I will keep an eye on him and see how he gets on.”
Steven Schumacher gives George Thomason the seal of approval after Wrexham transfer
Parkinson’s central midfield options all of a sudden look very promising. In fact, Parkinson may have too many midfielders, which is a nice problem to have with the likes of Thomason and O’Brien having signed for Wrexham, and the likes of Elliott Lee, George Evans, George Dobson, Andy Cannon, and Tom O’Connor to fit into the equation next season.
But having shown his quality in League One last time around, and with so much backing to go on to bigger and better, Thomason may well be one who starts for Wrexham in the Championship next season.
And speaking recently, Bolton Wanderers manager Steven Schumacher gave his verdict on Thomason, insisting that he deserves his chance to shine in the Championship, labelling him as a top professional.
Schumacher said: “We wish George all the best. He’s a top lad, a top professional and deserves his opportunity in the Championship. And I hope he goes and does really well. And yes, we’ll be working hard to replace him.”
Wrexham play FC Groningen in a pre-season friendly on August 2nd. But expect the Dragons to play another friendly, likely behind closed doors, before then.