Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson must make sure that one forward is not left surplus to requirements this season; he has proven Championship experience that would massively benefit the side.
Wrexham have achieved three successive promotions, having dramatically risen from the National League to the Championship.
After such a brilliant rise to glory, the shape of the club has had to change dramatically, whether that is on or off the pitch.
In terms of personnel, players have come and gone from the Racecourse Ground, and that is set to happen yet again this summer. Already, Wrexham have signed Ryan Hardie, whilst Paul Mullin has departed on loan.
The changes in the forward line seem to be a priority this season for Phil Parkinson, but this shouldn’t lead to the freezing out of one man who could be crucial at Championship level.
Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson must not make Jack Marriott surplus to requirements
Wrexham currently have seven strikers on the books, an extortionate amount for Parkinson to keep track of and hand game time to.
Ultimately, some will not get a sniff of football, with more departures likely to be sanctioned. Mo Faal, for example, will probably play a limited role at Wrexham this season if he is kept.
However, Parkinson must not repeat this with Jack Marriott, a proven Championship forward, who, despite being past his peak years, could still offer a potent threat from the bench.
Marriott’s peak arrived whilst at Derby County, where Frank Lampard hailed his forward as ‘top class’, per Derby Telegraph. There is no doubt that the striker could replicate those moments of individual quality, whilst also being an important figure in the dressing room because of his experience at Championship level.
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Phil Parkinson will need to make a difficult decision regarding forwards
There is every reason to keep Marriott in the fold next season, but ultimately, that would sacrifice other forwards to the departure lounge.
Faal is likely to be a name that will be on Parkinson’s mind regarding players who won’t be a priority in the upcoming campaign, whilst Ollie Palmer’s Wrexham future may be a doubt.
It is clear that Parkinson is willing to be bold with his players, not letting emotions interfere with decisions, as seen by the choice of letting Mullin depart. What is left to Parkinson now, though, is which Wrexham players will follow him out the door.
Departures are needed – the last thing Parkinson wants to be handed is a significantly bloated squad that will be difficult to manage.