Wrexham are chasing another promotion under Phil Parkinson with wing back Ryan Barnett once again playing a key role.
Wrexham are now just three points off an automatic promotion spot after beating Mansfield Town 2-1 on Sunday afternoon.
Phil Parkinson saw his Wrexham side hit back after defeat to Leyton Orient and cut the gap to Wycombe Wanderers in second place.
There will be many twists and turns to come but Wrexham have a real chance of a third promotion in a row.
A handful of players have experienced both promotions under Parkinson and now want another one.
Ryan Barnett is one of them and the wing back has now brought up exactly two years at Wrexham this Monday.
Two years of Ryan Barnett at Wrexham
February 24, 2023 saw Wrexham dip into the market.
Parkinson pounced to sign Barnett from Solihull Moors, paying an undisclosed fee for the wide man.
Barnett quickly became a fixture of the Wrexham starting XI and played a key role in securing promotion from the National League.
Last season, Barnett played 32 times in League Two but was in and out of the side in spells and saw Wrexham sign Luke Bolton as right wing back competition.
Any battle has been completely extinguished by Barnett this season though as he has pulled clear as Wrexham’s first-choice right wing back.
Barnett has been praised as ‘unbelievable’ by Max Cleworth, racking up eight assists and two goals in 30 League One outings.
Preston North End and Stoke City wanted Barnett earlier this season but Wrexham made sure to secure him to a new contract.
That deal two years ago has proven to be a masterstroke with Barnett showing himself to be one of the top signings of the Parkinson era.
Wrexham have relied on proven quality throughout the rise through the leagues but Parkinson saw potential in Barnett, landing him at the age of 23.
Barnett has developed into a star at Wrexham and he should remain a key man at the STōK Cae Ras for a long time yet.
- READ MORE: Ryan Barnett has just made his stance on leaving Wrexham very clear amid recent transfer interest
Phil Parkinson was right about Ryan Barnett
Go back to Barnett’s arrival on this day two years ago and you will see real praise from Parkinson.
As quoted by BBC Sport, Parkinson believed that Barnett would be an ‘exciting’ addition for the Wrexham squad.
“I’m pleased to welcome Ryan to the club,” said Parkinson.
“He’s an exciting young player and will be a strong addition to the first-team squad,” he added.
Parkinson has certainly been proven right with Barnett going from strength to strength in a Wrexham shirt.
Barnett wanted to be a Shrewsbury Town hero but failed to make a real breakthrough with his hometown club.
Wrexham have certainly benefited from Shrewsbury deciding to let Barnett go and long may that continue with the wing back continuing to justify Parkinson’s faith.