Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds will be delighted with the recent rise of Wrexham gem Harry Ashfield.
Harry Ashfield has recently cemented himself as arguably the hottest prospect at the Racecourse Ground.
Born in Wrexham, the 18-year-old is a product of the club’s youth system and is now making a name for himself in the first team.
Ashfield earned praise from fans when he scored his first senior goal in a 4-1 EFL Trophy win over Port Vale.
He picked up a knock in that match and missed the following tie against Bolton Wanderers in the competition.
However, Ashfield shone for Wrexham vs Peterborough United earlier this week, and his display has solved a major problem the club had.
Harry Ashfield will solve Wrexham problem Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney didn’t address
During the 2025 winter transfer window, it was clear Wrexham needed to bring in a new number nine.
Regular starters Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer were greatly underperforming on the goal front, with both still sitting on three apiece in League One.
This issue was addressed in late January with the arrivals of Sam Smith and Jay Rodriguez from Reading and Burnley.
However, another Wrexham problem that could cost promotion was not solved during the latest window.
That was not signing any form of backup for Elliot Lee, leaving the Red Dragons greatly lacking creativity in the centre of the pitch when the midfielder was injured or in need of a rest.
However, Phil Parkinson explained why Wrexham didn’t sign another attacker in January, specifically highlighting the role Ashfield can now play.
He said: “He’s another option for us. As the transfer window closed, there was talk maybe of another attacking player in that position but we think Harry is better than the ones we could have got and he’s shown it.
“He’s got talent and he’s got inner conference as well. We don’t want to get too carried away but it was a great night for him. He’s a real quality footballer and we’ve got high hopes for him.”
It was a bold call from Parkinson and the owners but so far at least, it looks to be paying off.
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Harry Ashfield can cover for Elliot Lee
Lee recently returned to the side following a car accident, but the Wrexham gem could still provide cover for another player.
Despite him starting up front in his previous outing, we suggested Ashfield could cover for Andy Cannon now that the midfielder is likely out for the remainder of 2024/25.
This is exactly what happened when Wrexham clashed with Peterborough and though they lost that tie, the 18-year-old was one of the best players on the pitch.
There are no EFL Trophy games left to play for the Red Dragons this season but it’s now likely we will see Ashfield handed a more prominent role in League One.
He’s an attack-minded midfielder, and as long as he keeps up his current form, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds will not have to splash out big money in the summer to sign cover for Lee, which was previously required.