Wrexham must get their summer recruitment correct and Phil Parkinson can sign a ‘brilliant’ forward to partner Paul Mullin.
The hype surrounding Wrexham has increased so much in recent years, with the takeover of Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds contributing to success on the pitch.
Phil Parkinson’s men now find themselves in League One after finishing second last term and the 56-year-old is ironing out plans for the summer ahead.
The most obvious positions that need improvement are goalkeeper, centre back, left back and central midfield but despite the raft of forwards at the club, Parkinson does need a new striker to partner Paul Mullin.
Steven Fletcher is approaching the end of his career, Ollie Palmer is a League Two striker at best, Jack Marriott is a backup to Mullin while the likes of Sam Dalby, Jake Bickerstaff and Billy Waters need loaning out, or in the case of the latter, selling.
It’s put Parkinson in a difficult position because he knows more firepower is needed, though he may need to offload one or two of his players before he can buy.
Which strikers have Wrexham been linked to so far?
Wrexham have been linked to several strikers so far and the window doesn’t open until June 14th.
Released Wigan Athletic strikers, Josh Magennis and Stephen Humphrys have popped onto their radars while Notts County’s Macaulay Langstaff and Loughgall prodigy Benji Magee have been of interest.
It points towards a promising summer at the Racecourse Ground as Parkinson looks to address the lack of firepower to support Mullin, with one name perhaps being of help in that regard.
Wrexham should snap up Billy Bodin on a free transfer
Billy Bodin is a well-known Welsh striker who has played in the EFL for well over a decade at clubs such as Bristol Rovers, Preston North End and Swindon Town.
Now aged 32, Bodin’s most recent spell was at Oxford United where he spent three seasons at the club and posted 39 goal contributions, wrapping up a successful stint with promotion to the Championship.
Unfortunately, the forward was released at the end of his contract at Oxford with the U’s building for the second tier, which should pique the interests of several League One sides, including Wrexham.
An experienced striker in the third tier with 151 appearances under his belt, the former Wales international would be a superb option for Parkinson to pick up on a free for more than just his experience.
The “brilliant” Bodin is extremely versatile, showcasing his capabilities to play on the left or right flank as well as centrally, and while Parkinson doesn’t use a formation with wingers, the signing of the ex-Preston forward would give him that option.
There may come a time next season when the 5-3-2 system becomes a bit stale as teams in League One figure it out. He could have the option to adapt to a formation with wingers by signing the Welshman to play on the right as James McClean can play on the opposite flank.
In the current market, there are several experienced strikers available on a free transfer and Bodin – who has scored 80 career goals – is one worth picking up.