Wrexham’s home defeat to Stevenage back in January was a significant result for the club.
Phil Parkinson’s side were defeated 3-2 at the Racecourse Ground by a Stevenage side who had struggled for goals throughout their campaign. The result left League One promotion hanging in the balance.
Wrexham responded by signing strike duo Sam Smith and Jay Rodriguez just days later and the duo went on to help fire the Red Dragons into the Championship.
That defeat was the last time that Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer stepped onto the field in a league game for the club – a decision that left both players heartbroken.
READ MORE: Humphrey Ker pens heartfelt goodbye to Paul Mullin after Wrexham exit is confirmed
Ollie Palmer’s Wrexham return prevented by Phil Parkinson
As shown on the latest episode of the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary series, Palmer believed that his Wrexham career was about to be revived after Rodriguez went off injured during a clash with Burton.
Palmer was enjoying watching games at home with his family but showed his real desire to be back playing when an opportunity arose.
As Rodriguez was replaced by Steven Fletcher, Palmer stated to his son: “Jay Rodriguez is going off injured. If Jay has got injured maybe Daddy might be back in for a couple of games.”
The emotional return did not materialise and Palmer has been told to leave the club by Parkinson this summer, ending any hopes of a return to action for the Red Dragons.
Ollie Palmer unsure of Wrexham ‘icon’ status
During episode seven of the new series, Palmer was also asked about his Wrexham status whilst watching the Burton Albion clash at home with his son.
Palmer’s son asked his Dad whether he was a Wrexham icon, to which Palmer replied: “Am I an icon? That’s not up for me to decide buddy.”
| Ollie Palmer’s Wrexham record | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Palmer | 149 | 42 | 6 |
With 149 appearances and playing a major role in three successive promotions, it is fair to say the majority of Wrexham supporters would place Palmer in the ‘icon’ category.
Mullin enjoyed his partnership with Palmer and the two have certainly left big shoes for the likes of Smith and new acquisition Ryan Hardie to fill moving forward.