Paul Mullin is, in larger part, why Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have enjoyed so much success at Wrexham.
The now 30-year-old was the first big signing of the Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds era, dropping out of the EFL to join Wrexham in the National League.
Paul Mullin, as was to be expected given his previous form for Cambridge United, was instantly prolific after his free transfer to the Racecourse Ground.
The striker found the net 28 times during his debut campaign at Wrexham before adding a further 46 to his tally in the 2022/23 season.
In their short League Two stint last term, meanwhile, Mullin scored 26 and assisted eight in 43 outings across all competitions.
However, his form and minutes have taken a dive during the current season, which he began injured.
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Rob McElhenney feelings on Paul Mullin playing time already clear
The Englishman had injuries at the start of 2023/24 as well but still hit over 20 goals on his return to action.
That looks very unlikely to happen at this stage of the season, however, with the number nine sitting on just three League One goals and two more in the EFL Trophy.
Mullin has a shin injury that’s keeping him sidelined at present but even before that, he was not starting matches.
In fact, he’s completed 90 minutes just twice in Wrexham’s last 15 league games, losing out on a starting berth on a number of occasions to Elliot Lee.
Sam Smith and Jay Rodriguez have since arrived at the club this month and in turn, Mullin was linked with a Wrexham exit.
He remained in Wales beyond deadline day but, likely to the disappointment of fans, still seems set to be well down the pecking order when he does return from his recent injury.
This probably won’t please McElhenney, however. When speaking in March 2024, as per BBC Sport, following the striker’s hat-trick against Accrington Stanley, he said: “The more games this man plays, the bigger the club will continue to get.”
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Phil Parkinson comments good for Paul Mullin
When he is back in action, Mullin will need to fight for a place in the eleven ahead of Jack Marriott, Rodriguez, Smith, and maybe even Lee.
But recent comments made by Parkinson are good for Mullin, with the Wrexham boss hinting all of his squad will be utilised in the remainder of the campaign.
He stated: “The lads in the dressing room and all the lads who didn’t make the bench like George Evans and Jacob Mendy were right with us and that’s what we’ve always been about.
“We can’t reiterate that more than anything. We’ve got a lot of games left and everyone’s going to be utilised.”