Wrexham have started well in League One this season and nobody has quite adjusted to the step up like Ryan Barnett.
Wrexham may have been on something of a low since Sunday afternoon.
Phil Parkinson’s side were beaten 1-0 at Harrogate Town, crashing out of the FA Cup in the first round.
Wrexham just weren’t good enough against the League Two side and a response is needed this weekend.
Mansfield Town head to the STōK Cae Ras this weekend as the two sides lock horns again having been promotion rivals last season.
Wrexham will face a tough battle against Nigel Clough’s side but will be looking to get back on track with a strong performance.
Wrexham star nominated for EFL award
Parkinson will be looking for a reaction and will call on his star players to make a big impact.
Wing back Ryan Barnett certainly falls into that category having enjoyed a superb start to the season.
Barnett has already bagged five assists in 12 League One games this season and has taken his game to another level.
The 25-year-old was a key part of Wrexham’s promotion-winning team last season but has now become one of League One’s very best.
That has now been demonstrated perfectly with Barnett nominated for the League One Player of the Month award for October.
The EFL have confirmed Barnett’s nomination whilst praising the Wrexham wing back for his performances.
“Barnett’s surging runs down the right and lack of fear in taking on defenders, allied to intelligently delivered pinpoint crosses, helped to set up five of Wrexham’s seven October goals. He also contributed defensively to two clean sheets,” they wrote.
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Rob McElhenney fighting Ryan Barnett rumours
Barnett’s performances have been so good that he is now attracting major transfer interest.
Reports in October suggested that Championship sides Preston North End and Stoke City had both shown an interest in signing Barnett.
Rob McElhenney has responded to those Barnett rumours by suggesting that any clubs looking at him need to have very good binoculars.
Wrexham are clearly not welcoming any interest in Barnett and would attempt to fend off any offers come January,
An option has been activated in Barnett’s contract, which gives Wrexham some security in the market, but McElhenney will be actively fighting to keep Barnett at the STōK Cae Ras for a while yet.