Wrexham have well and truly entered a new era at the club after an incredible summer of change at the Racecourse Ground.
Phil Parkinson was certainly backed by owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as thirteen new faces were brought in for a combined total that will rise to close to £40m.
Wrexham signed Dominic Hyam late on deadline day to wrap up their incomings but the window also saw an overhaul of the squad with notable departures.
Club legends Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer were among the most high-profile exits, however, several promotion heroes were shown the door. One departure in particular has meant a solid Wrexham foundation is no more.
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Phil Parkinson breaks up impressive Max Cleworth and Eoghan O’Connell partnership
Wrexham terminated the contract of Eoghan O’Connell after the defender was omitted from the club’s final Championship squad.
It put an end to a two-and-a-half year spell in North Wales for the defender who helped inspire successive promotions into the second tier.
Ollie Rathbone sent an emotional message to O’Connell upon his departure, but it is another Wrexham star that will be feeling the effects.
Max Cleworth formed an exceptional defensive partnership with O’Connell over recent seasons with the pair almost averaging Parkinson’s magical two points per game playing together.
As per BBC Sport, Parkinson labelled Cleworth ‘phenomenal’ for his contributions in front of goal last season but it was the clean sheets with O’Connell that really drove Wrexham to promotion.
| Max Cleworth and Eoghan O’Connell’s Wrexham partnership | Appearances | Minutes | Points per game |
| Cleworth and O’Connell | 61 | 4979 | 1.97 |
Cleworth would have learned a lot from O’Connell, but the youngster also complemented the Irish defender well too with his ability on the ball.
Conor Coady will now be the senior figure at the back for the Red Dragons but he has big shoes to fill with O’Connell’s magnificent record at the club.
Phil Parkinson shows ruthless edge once again for Wrexham
Parkinson is no stranger to ruthless decisions at Wrexham, having disposed of multiple fan favourites along the incredible journey with Wrexham.
Ben Tozer and Luke Young were deemed surplus to requirements upon promotion to League One and the same has happened to a host of stars this summer.
Unfortunately, it is the nature of football that Wrexham have had to upgrade their squad ahead of the Championship challenge.
Fans will be disappointed that players they have developed a real affinity for are no longer on the journey, however, Parkinson will be hoping that new heroes are formed in the coming weeks.