Wrexham are on the hunt for a third successive promotion under Phil Parkinson, a feat that can be made possible if three variables fall into place.
The feel-good factor surrounding Wrexham has continued into League One as Phil Parkinson’s men have maintained an unbeaten record in the league after three matches.
Wrexham were 3-2 victors over Wycombe Wanderers on opening day before recording a goalless draw at Bolton Wanderers and a 3-0 thrashing of Reading on Saturday.
In the early stages of this campaign, Parkinson’s trusted 3-5-2 system has worked to devastating effect, with Reading manager Ruben Selles explaining how ‘difficult’ it was against the Reds.
During Parkinson’s tenure, Wrexham have transformed the Racecourse Ground into a fortress, losing just six of his 87 matches at home.
Three key variables that can see Wrexham achieve a third successive promotion
For any visiting side in League One, travelling to Wrexham will be a difficult place to go. Parkinson’s side rarely get beaten on home turf and their record is unbelievable.
EFL pundit Sam Parkin thinks that their home form can be a crucial ingredient to achieving promotion but two other variables must fall into place.
Parkin says Wrexham must defend well on the road, as they did against Bolton while limiting the better sides in the division to achieve a historic third straight promotion.
Speaking on the EFL All Access podcast, the former Ipswich Town striker said: “I would expect Phil Parkinson to really concentrate on that side. And having seen them at Bolton last week, where they got a really creditable 0-0.
“If they can defend like that on the road, limit the better sides in the division, and win the home games at the Racecourse, where they had far and away the best record in League 2 last season, they’re going to be close, I think, to another promotion.”
It’s very early days in the season but Wrexham’s performances perhaps point towards a promotion push however, it all depends on consistency and surviving luck with injuries.
Paul Mullin’s return will be key
Paul Mullin returned to the field against Reading for the final 16 minutes of the match after recovering from minor spinal surgery.
The 29-year-old have managed to survive without him by deploying a front two of Jack Marriott and Ollie Palmer, who have developed a decent partnership.
Palmer assisted Marriott for his sumptuous volley against Wycombe and the 32-year-old scored the opening goal in last weekend’s thrashing of Reading.
Wrexham have still been a threat without Mullin in the side but once he’s fully match-sharp and ready to return to the starting XI, their goal-scoring will reach another level.
The Liverpudlian has struck an incredible 105 goals in just 133 appearances for the Reds, including 26 in all competitions last term as Wrexham won promotion to the third tier.
Mullin isn’t just a difference-maker with his goals but he’s also got the intelligence to link play and thread passes through to his teammates, who benefit from the positions he occupies in and around the box.
Indeed, Wrexham’s talisman is just another variable that will be crucial to their promotion chances this season.