Paul Mullin has gone from Wrexham hero to zero (minutes), and his future at the club is now in serious doubt. Here, we assess three great options for his next move this summer.
After firing in over 100 goals for Wrexham over the past few years to guide them to back-to-back promotions, Paul Mullin was expected to play a key role in their quest for success in League One this year.
However, with fitness concerns, poor form, and an influx of new strikers at the club, the Wrexham legend has fallen down the pecking order dramatically.
Mullin has now failed to make the matchday squad in each of the last 14 games for Wrexham, making the bench in just one league game since the start of February.
Phil Parkinson insisted Mullin will be report for pre-season for Wrexham this summer, but has also admitted players could leave the club, without naming any names.
So, with the writing clearly on the wall for Mullin, we took a look at three clubs that could rescue him from this dire situation.
Which club should Paul Mullin join this summer?
Blackburn Rovers
It’s a long shot, but let’s assume there are Championship clubs that would be prepared to take a gamble on Paul Mullin this summer.
Mullin will likely want to remain close to his roots in the West of the UK, and a move to Lancashire feels like the most appropriate if that is the case.
Obviously, Mullin is paid a fairly substantial wage right now, and it would take a bigger club in the second tier to be able to maintain that, so Blackburn Rovers could be a good shout.
They’re not the most lavish of clubs when it comes to the owners parting with cash, but for a striker who is proven to score goals they may be willing to take a risk.
Bolton Wanderers
Admittedly, Mullin may have to settle for another stint in League One, given he hasn’t exactly set the division alight this year with Wrexham.
Again, we’ll stick with the assumption that Mullin would want to remain on that side of the country, and a team like Bolton Wanderers could well be a good fit for the 30-year-old if so.
Mullin would likely have to take a pay cut to facilitate the move, but it would be worth it, as he’d be joining a team that will surely be challenging at the top of the table next season, and he could well propel them to promotion.
Bolton’s preference for direct football would suit Mullin’s style of play to the ground, and he would flourish under Steven Schumacher’s guidance.
Philadelphia Union
Going right the other way, Mullin may fancy a change of scene, and if he’s keen to keep his wages stocked up, a switch to the MLS makes the most sense.
The influence of Rob McElhenney could play a part in his next decision, and there is arguably nowhere the Wrexham owner would rather see his former star man go than to his beloved Philadelphia.
A transfer to Philadelphia Union would secure Mullin a nice payday, a fresh adventure, and allow him to preserve those ties to Rob and Ryan, while also enjoying legendary status in the USA.
Fans are desperate for Paul Mullin to stay, but it’s time to move on
Wrexham fans wanted Mullin to get some minutes in the final game of the season against Lincoln City, but were left bitterly disappointed.
Even in a game that meant nothing to Wrexham’s cause, Phil Parkinson has still not bowed to pressure and given Mullin another chance to show what he can do, or at worst, a send-off if his Wrexham career is over.
With Sam Smith’s arrival proving to be a successful one, and Wrexham now targeting the likes of Ryan Hardie and Callum Robinson, it’s clear there will be even less opportunity for Mullin in the future.
It may be a painful goodbye, but the reality is there is no reason for Mullin to stay put. It would seriously harm his career if he doesn’t get a transfer this summer, and it’s better for everyone if those ties are now cut in an amicable way.