Wrexham produced one of their best performances of the season in their 1-1 draw with Birmingham City and were unfortunate not to claim all three points.
Ollie Rathbone opened the scoring with a fine curling effort and scored 9/10 in the Wrexham player ratings, alongside stand-out performances from George Dobson and Max Cleworth.
Wrexham have signed Ryan Longman from Hull City in an effort to add more pace and quality in the final third however, the signing has sparked discussions about Phil Parkinson’s plans moving forward.
Longman is predominantly a winger and therefore doesn’t quite fit into the mould of the current Wrexham formation. Parkinson could be considering a different approach for the promotion push.
Ryan Longman signing could prompt a change in formation for Wrexham
Having played a 3-5-2 formation for much of his tenure, Longman’s arrival could be an indication that manager Parkinson is considering a chance of approach moving forward.
A Hull City expert believes Longman’s best position is wing-back however, the 24-year-old has played the majority of his career as a winger.
If Longman is to be part of the Red Dragon’s starting eleven, he would either take the spot of Ryan Barnett or James McClean.
However, both Barnett and McClean have had excellent seasons so far, therefore Parkinson could be considering a change in formation to a 4-3-3.
Longman could operate on the right or left wing with his versatility, with Jack Marriott or Elliot Lee able to provide quality on the other flank.
Dan Scarr could miss out if Longman is used in a 4-3-3 formation for Wrexham
One player that could miss out if there is a change in formation is defender Dan Scarr. The 30-year-old has been in and out of the Wrexham team this season but marshalled a potent Birmingham attack well in the recent clash.
Parkinson could be set for a back four of Barnett, Cleworth, O’Connor and McClean, meaning that Scarr would once again be dropping to the bench.
Potential Wrexham line up (4-3-3) formation: Okonkwo, Barnett, Cleworth, O’Connor, McClean, Dobson, Rathbone, James, Longman, Marriott, Palmer.
There would be plenty of things for Parkinson to consider in his forward line too. Paul Mullin could deputise for Ollie Palmer and of course, Steven Fletcher has proved his worth in recent weeks.
The signing of Longman certainly gives the Wrexham manager different ways to set up his side and hopefully begin to unlock the Red Dragons as an attacking force.