Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson made the call not to renew Steven Fletcher’s contract this summer, and it is safe to say, the bold decision may have been correct.
Wrexham are making strides in the summer transfer window, with the Red Dragons looking to add Liberato Cacace to the ranks following the conclusion of the Tour Down Under.
Whilst Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac have already signed Ryan Hardie from Plymouth Argyle, there is a clear need to bring further additions to the squad in the forward line.
Paul Mullin left Wrexham on loan, joining League One outfit Wigan Athletic, whilst Steven Fletcher’s contract was not renewed following last season’s promotion to the Championship.
The decision to let Fletcher go split the fanbase, with some suggesting that he was Championship quality, but recent developments suggest that Parkinson did actually make the correct decision to let the Scotsman go.
Latest Steven Fletcher update proves that Phil Parkinson was correct to release Wrexham star
Following the 2024/25 season, there were some frank discussions had among the fanbase regarding certain players and whether they were able to step up to the Championship.
It is clear that such talks were also happening in-house, as Phil Parkinson decided that the Championship was out of reach for both Paul Mullin and Steven Fletcher.
Fletcher hit out on social media following his Wrexham departure, which suggests that he believed he could have made the step up. Reacting to the news, Wrexham co-owner Rob Mac suggested it was a ‘difficult’ call to make by Parkinson.
However, per a report by EFL Analysis, Fletcher is assessing his options, with the Scottish Premiership being a potential option for him. It is also revealed that League Two clubs MK Dons and Bristol Rovers are keen to sign the forward.
Providing that League Two clubs are in the hunt for the forward, it shows that, outside of Wrexham, he is not even considered to be League One level at this stage of his career.
Wrexham will be glad that Steven Fletcher was released
Last season, Steven Fletcher proved to be an important player to bring off the bench, particularly when Wrexham were chasing a lead. It gave League One clubs plenty to think about with the imposing and experienced force of Fletcher notching 10 minutes at the end of the game.
Of course, the drawback with attaining Fletcher would have been the lofty wages he would have been on. It is also likely that a new contract, following promotion to the Championship, would have coincided with a pay rise as well.
Phil Parkinson made the correct decision to lose Fletcher when he did, especially knowing that those wages that have been freed can then be spent more wisely on a younger player with the assured ability of playing in the Championship.