Wrexham’s need to secure League One promotion has just increased after recent comments from a current player.
Wrexham face Rotherham United in their first League One clash back after the October international break.
The Red Dragons go into the game sat second in the third tier, two points off first-place Birmingham City having played a game more than the Tom Brady-owned club.
It has been a largely solid start to the 2024/25 campaign but Wrexham’s chances of being promoted from League One automatically are still fairly low.
Since Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds took the reigns in 2021, the Welsh outfit have climbed out of the National League and up to League One by securing back-to-back promotions.
However, the Hollywood duo are facing their toughest test yet in 2024/25, with Reynolds and McElhenney already told why Wrexham will not win the League One title this season.
Should they fail to go up in 2024/25, however, they may be in danger of losing a key player.
Wrexham star Ryan Barnett knows he ‘can go up’
Ryan Barnett joined Wrexham in February 2023 from Solihull Moors for an undisclosed transfer fee.
The right-back has been in superb form during the early stages of 2024/25, providing four assists in nine League One appearances.
The full-back was particularly impressive in his last league clash with Steve Parkin dubbing Barnett ‘terrific’ after his performance against Northampton Town.
Now, as per Leader Live, Barnett has backed himself to go up more levels.
He said: “A couple of years ago I was told that I wasn’t good enough at that time to be at this level and I am back here with Wrexham after back-to-back promotions which is a really good feeling.
“It is difficult when you go up the leagues and the teams are tougher but that is a challenge I like to thrive under, and try and be the best player I can.
“I still think, in my own game, I have still got levels I know I can go up.
“The defensive side is something I have been working on with the gaffer but it is just about going into every game with a smile on my face and enjoying it, and trying to give my best.”
Why Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds should be wary of Ryan Barnett comments
Barnett is under contract with Wrexham until 2026, but that is, in reality, still a very short deal that could make him easy to poach.
With 12 months left on his contract come the end of 2024/25, clubs may belive the defender will be available for a cut-price fee next summer and McElhenney and Reynolds could be in danger of losing him.
The above comments from Barnett seem to suggest he wants to play at a higher level than League One and if Wrexham cannot give that to him, there are likely to be many suitors in the Championship given the current form he is in.
Wrexham could well get promoted in 2024/25 but if they fail to do so, Barnett may be lured away from the Racecourse Ground by interest from clubs in higher divisions.
And given he will only have 12 months left on his deal, there is probably not a lot the Wrexham owners can do if the full-back decides he wants to go up a level, as he hinted to in his recent comments.