In the end, that £2m Wrexham spent on Sam Smith looked good value for money, with the striker’s goals firing the Red Dragons to promotion.
Wrexham broke their transfer record in the January transfer window to bring in Sam Smith from Reading, in the hopes that he could step up and deliver the goals needed to get over the line.
With the likes of Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer struggling this season, it’s safe to say Phil Parkinson’s side were lacking a cutting edge in attack.
It took a long time and a lot of money to snap Smith up in the end. Still, with seven goals in 18 games for his new team, including a brace in that decisive win over Charlton, it was all worth it.
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Sam Smith is ready and raring to go in the Championship
Now, Smith will be hoping his long wait to return to the Championship as a player has been worth it, too.
Speaking to The Leader about the impending challenge in the second tier, Smith said: “I’m excited. I last played in the Championship when I was 19 so I’ve gone away, I’ve learned my trade and become a better player, stronger player, quicker player.
“I’ve been desperate for the opportunity and can’t wait to get going. I’ve been in [League One] for four years now and sacrificed a lot, and worked hard day in, day out.
“When it ultimately comes down to moments like this and winning promotion, it puts things in perspective the journey I’ve been on and one I’ll just be proud of.”
With Wrexham having been away from the second tier for 43 years, there are some who are doubting the Red Dragons’ credentials and tipping them to struggle next season. Smith thinks otherwise, though.
He added: “I’d like to think [Wrexham can cope]. I’m not sure what will go on above me but hopefully we can. It’s a tough league but I don’t think anyone expected us to get promoted out of this league so we’ll take it as it comes.
“It’s a club like no other so anything can happen. I’d like to hope we could do it and I can be a part of it. It’s an exciting journey and one I’m looking forward to being a part of.”
Wrexham’s striker situation heading into 2025/26
Just this week, Wrexham let Steven Fletcher leave on a free transfer. At the same time, Paul Mullin may be next to depart, with Wigan keen to sign the Wrexham legend.
That would leave Smith — who is firmly at the top of the pecking order when it comes to Wrexham’s current strikers — Jay Rodriguez, Jack Marriott, and Ollie Palmer; though the latter is also expected to move on this summer.
| Player | Games | Goals | Assists |
| Sam Smith | 19 | 7 | 0 |
| Steven Fletcher | 43 | 8 | 1 |
| Paul Mullin | 32 | 5 | 1 |
| Ollie Palmer | 31 | 3 | 2 |
| Jack Marriott | 30 | 6 | 1 |
| Jay Rodriguez | 18 | 2 | 2 |
In short, Wrexham will need to add at least one top-quality striker to their squad if they are to have any chance of success in the second tier.
Among the latest Wrexham transfer stories, names like Callum Robinson, Ryan Hardie, and Patrick Bamford have all been linked with a move to the Racecourse Ground of late.