Wrexham brought in two new strikers during the January transfer window as Phil Parkinson decided to leave Sam Dalby at Dundee United.
Wrexham were in a strong position for potential promotion in January, but Phil Parkinson wanted more attacking options.
Two new strikers arrived as Wrexham splashed the cash on Reading’s Sam Smith before Jay Rodriguez arrived from Burnley.
Wrexham certainly weren’t afraid to spend in the search of goals, with Smith and Rodriguez representing considerable outlays in terms of fees and wages.
Smith produced two brilliant moments against Burton Albion on Saturday, continuing to justify his hefty price tag.
Wrexham did have another option in the January window, though, as Parkinson could have brought Sam Dalby back to the STōK Cae Ras.
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Sam Dalby praised after Dundee United winner
Wrexham considered recalling Dalby from Dundee United in January, but decided to leave him at Tannadice.
Dalby struggled for goals in League Two last season and Parkinson was happy to send him out on loan to Dundee United in August.
Dalby was still rated, but few at Wrexham could have predicted him to enjoy quite so much success in Scotland.
Sunday saw Dalby head home a brilliant winner against Hearts, securing a 1-0 victory for Dundee United.
That takes Dalby onto 14 goals in 31 games for Dundee United this season, with Sunday’s goal earning particular praise.
“It’s a brilliant goal, it really is. Brilliant play by Middleton,” said pundit Allan Preston on BBC Sport.
“It all comes from Steinwender being poor. Under no real pressure, he makes a hash of the clearance. It’s a lovely cross and a flick header from the man you want there, Dalby. A really good header.
“Credit to Jim Goodwin, he made the changes, and they’ve come up trumps for him so far,” he added.
Dalby expertly angled his header into the corner of the net, strengthening Dundee United’s push for European action.
Dundee United ace hails Sam Dalby
Speaking to Premier Sports, teammate Ross Docherty heaped praised on Dalby for his ‘brilliant’ performances in a Dundee United shirt.
Docherty suggested that Dalby’s goals have been ‘different class’, hailing him for taking half-chances and turning them into goals.
“[Sam Dalby has] been brilliant for us. I could see his quality as soon as he came in training. He’s been brilliant, some of his finishing and headers have been different class, from little chance at times, so he’s been brilliant for us,” said Docherty.
Dalby’s long-term future remains unclear.
Wrexham have offered Dalby a new contract, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season.
Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin believes Wrexham’s offer to Dalby is ‘very good’, so the ball is now in the striker’s court.
Goodwin would love to keep Dalby, and with his stock at an all-time high, the Wrexham loanee may well decide to become a free agent and explore the interest in his signature.