Wrexham’s retained list was made public last week and boss Phil Parkinson has been forced to make some difficult decisions.
Back-to-back promotions probably wasn’t even in the minds of Wrexham supporters just a few years ago.
League One football left the STōK Cae Ras in 2005 and a return to that level had felt like a pipe dream for many years.
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds changed the game, allowing Wrexham fans to dream once again.
Now basking in the glory of back-to-back promotions, Wrexham are not only out of the National League but now in League One.
This rapid rise has been incredible to witness, but also presents the difficult situation of letting players leave.
Not everybody can be part of the long-term Wrexham journey and a handful of players have been told they won’t receive new contracts.
Experienced duo Ben Tozer and Luke Young lead the way as they will depart Wrexham this summer alongside the likes of Aaron Hayden and Rob Lainton.
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Phil Parkinson on Jordan Tunnicliffe exit
Wrexham wouldn’t be in this position without the contributions of those players over the years and they all deserve appreciation.
The same goes for defender Jordan Tunnicliffe, who will also be leaving on a free transfer this summer.
Tunnicliffe joined Wrexham from Crawley Town back in 2022, dropping down to the National League on a free transfer.
The central defender had been a regular in League Two but also had National League experience with AFC Fylde.
Tunnicliffe was a regular in the 2022-23 campaign but only started for League Two games as Wrexham won another promotion.
Wrexham have now decided to let Tunnicliffe leave at the end of his contract with the former West Bromwich Albion youngster moving on.
Tunnicliffe surely won’t be short of offers from National League and League Two clubs and Parkinson has now reflected on his exit.
Speaking to BBC Sport Wales, Parkinson admitted that Wrexham are losing an ‘immense character’ by letting Tunnicliffe go.
Parkinson added that Tunnicliffe has been unlucky with injuries during his time at Wrexham, keeping on the sidelines for spells of the past season.
Parkinson clearly appreciated Tunnicliffe’s personality and leadership qualities, believing that he made a positive impact at Wrexham even when not playing.
Centre back signings a priority for Wrexham
Tunnicliffe isn’t the only centre back leaving Wrexham this summer.
Hayden and Tozer are moving on too, meaning three centre backs are leaving Wrexham in one fell swoop.
Wrexham do still have quality centre back options at Parkinson’s disposal.
Eoghan O’Connell and Will Boyle have both played League One football before, Thomas O’Connor is an option as a left-sided centre back and Max Cleworth’s development on the right side has been incredible.
Wrexham certainly need more options at the back though with two or three centre backs needed to replace the likes of Tunnicliffe.
Parkinson has lost some real leadership with those defensive exits and may look to bring in more experience at the back.
Wrexham fans will certainly wish Tunnicliffe all the best though, with Parkinson now turning his attention to finding a replacement.