Wrexham’s recruitment has been nothing short of superb since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took charge.
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have been criticised for spending big since they bought Wrexham in February 2021.
But deep pockets do not always equal success, as sides like Manchester United have proven over the last decade.
The type of player brought to the club is more important than transfer fees and this is where Wrexham have excelled.
The Red Dragons had a very productive 2024 summer transfer window, with nine new faces brought to the Racecourse Ground.
Lewis Brunt has been brilliant of late and was a big miss against Barnsley. But another summer signing has really stolen the headlines over the last six weeks or so.
- READ MORE: Why Lewis Brunt and Elliot Lee missed Wrexham defeat to Barnsley now explained by Phil Parkinson
Ollie Rathbone is excelling at Wrexham
Ollie Rathbone joined Wrexham for £500,000 from Rotherham United during the most recent summer window.
The 28-year-old took some time to get up to speed in Wales, only notching 39 minutes of action during the club’s first four league matches of 2024/25.
Wrexham were told they need something different to Rathbone after a defeat to Harrogate Town in the FA Cup back in early November.
Since those comments were made, however, the central midfielder has been one of the Red Dragons’ best players.
Rathbone scored a crucial goal in a win over Barnsley last month and was once again superb in the reverse fixture on January 1st.
Ollie Rathbone stats for Wrexham vs Barnsley
Wrexham lost 2-1 to Barnsley, dropping out of the top two in place of Wycombe Wanderers as a result.
A few players including Eoghan O’Connell were not at their best but Rathbone once again excelled, as highlighted by his stats on the day:
- Minutes played: 90
- Accurate passes: 41/47 (87%)
- Key passes: 2
- Duels (won): 7 (5)
- Tackles: 2
- Clearances: 1
- Sofascore rating: 7.2 (joint-second best behind Max Cleworth)
Rathbone’s improvement in the last six weeks has been immense and while there were doubts over his ability following a shaky start, the decision to break their club record transfer fee at the time now looks like a real stroke of genius.