Wrexham simply had to bolster Phil Parkinson’s squad over the summer after securing promotion to League One.
Back-to-back promotions is a remarkable feat and not many fanbases get to experience that.
Wrexham did exactly that and now sit second in the League One table after a superb start to the season.
Those promotions meant that Wrexham landed in League One with remnants of a National League squad.
Big changes had to arrive and Phil Parkinson has made nine signings since winning promotion.
Arthur Okonkwo, Callum Burton, Lewis Brunt, Dan Scarr, Sebastian Revan, George Dobson, Ollie Rathbone, Josh Adam and Modou Faal have all arrived at the STōK Cae Ras.
To make room for those signings, Wrexham had to let a number of players move on – so let’s check in on how those released players are faring elsewhere…
Rob Lainton
Goalkeeper Rob Lainton was a popular but rather unfortunate figure at Wrexham, picking up a handful of injuries despite making nearly 150 appearances for the club.
The 34-year-old has yet to find a new club though and remains a free agent after being let go by Wrexham.
Ben Tozer
A particularly tough departure, defender Ben Tozer played a key role in Wrexham’s rise but was let go at the end of his deal.
The centre back signed for Forest Green Rovers over the summer as they looked to land an immediate return to League Two.
Tozer has featured prominently for Forest Green Rovers this season as they sit second in the National League, winning eight of their first 13 games this season.
Aaron Hayden
If Tozer is remembered for his long throws then Aaron Hayden will be remembered for his goalscoring ability as a centre back.
Signed from Carlisle United in August 2021, Hayden ended up scoring 18 goals across two National League campaigns.
Hayden wasn’t quite as important last season though and Wrexham let him go, paving the way for a return to Carlisle.
The 27-year-old has only managed five league appearances this season and is in danger of relegation with Carlisle – under new boss Mike Williamson – sitting bottom of League Two with eight defeats in 11.
Jordan Tunnicliffe
Signed from Crawley Town in 2022, Jordan Tunnicliffe played 31 games in his first Wrexham season but just 10 last season.
After a minor contract issue, Tunnicliffe was let go and the defender secured a move to National League side Solihull Moors – much to the delight of boss Andy Whing.
The 31-year-old picked up an injury against Altrincham last week but will hope to be back in action soon.
Dan Davies
Defender Dan Davies went on trial with Chelsea in 2021, as noted by Goal, but never quite made the breakthrough at Wrexham.
The 19-year-old was released over the summer and joined Cymru Premier side Flint Town on a free transfer.
Unfortunately, Davies suffered a major knee injury during pre-season and is now likely to miss most of the season.
Callum McFadzean
Left back Callum McFadzean arrived from Crewe Alexandra in 2022 and racked up more than 50 appearances across his first two seasons at the club.
The Scot was out of favour last season though and managed only five appearances before being released.
McFadzean, 30, is in the same boat as Lainton as he remains without a club at this stage of the season.
Luke Young
The departure which hurt Rob McElhenney the most, Wrexham allowed captain Luke Young to leave the club.
The 31-year-old had been an incredible servant for Wrexham, spending six years at the club whilst racking up more than 250 appearances.
Young signed for Cheltenham Town over the summer but is in a similar situation to Hayden with Cheltenham sitting 21st after seven defeats in 11.
Owen Cushion
Midfielder Owen Cushion emerged from the Wrexham ranks but only ever made one first-team appearance for the club.
The 19-year-old needed first-team action and it just wasn’t going to come at Wrexham.
Cushion joined Prescot Cables in the Northern Premier League Premier Division over the summer, but left the club at the end of August.
Now with Witton Albion, Cushion is looking to find somewhere to settle down in non-league.