While the Wrexham senior players have their eyes on promotion this season, one youngster in the squad has another, more modest goal.
Phil Parkinson has done an incredible job of assembling a squad capable of pushing for promotion from League One this year, and Wrexham could well end up playing in the Championship next season.
However, the club is also competing in the EFL Trophy this season, and it’s given Parkinson the opportunity to use younger players, like Aaron James.
James scored his first-ever Wrexham goal in the cup just a matter of days ago, but Parkinson has greenlit a loan move for the youngster it seems. And that’s something James himself is clearly happy about.
Aaron James is ready for a loan spell away from Wrexham
Speaking to The Leader about his progress at Wrexham and what he needs to take his career to the next level, James admitted he is ready to leave the club on loan in order to develop, and sees a spell in the National League as a tantalising opportunity.
He said: “Getting exposure to men’s football, like in these [EFL Trophy] games is good but a loan to maybe National League or National League North will be really beneficial for me.
“I think having that attitude and playing in those games, where you have to ‘die for three points’ is really important in the development of myself and any young player. Going on loan is something I would definitely be open to.”
James clearly believes such a move could help him achieve his dreams of getting established in the Wrexham squad long-term, adding: “You want to play in those big games for the club in the league where it really matters and we are pushing for promotion.
“Playing at the highest level possible with the first-team is definitely the aim for me but we’ll see what happens.”
Wrexham players need National League resilience to succeed
While Wrexham have moved players on over the last couple of years at a relentless churn rate, there still remains the beating heart of that side that won promotion from the National League at the core of the club.
Parkinson embodies that fighting spirit, as do experienced stars like Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer, and midfielder Jamie Jones.
That part of Wrexham’s history is crucial to their present success, and it would do their young players the world of good to experience that kind of footballing environment before they make the step up to the first-team properly.
A spell down there for Aaron James would be hugely important, and the young defender clearly has his head screwed on and appreciates how valuable an experience it could be for him.