Since the Hollywood Takeover Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have added quality and experience to Phil Parkinson’s squad highlighted by the addition of veteran striker Steven Fletcher last season.
The Red Dragon’s rise from the National League has resonated around football not only due to the Hollywood owners but the story it has provided so far.
The North Wales club have been able to attract big players in higher divisions to the STōK Cae Ras with the likes of Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer and Elliot Lee previously dropping to Non-League football to pursue the Wrexham project.
The Red Dragon’s transfer pull was highlighted by two key signings last season.
The additions of former Premier League stars James McClean and Steven Fletcher emphasised this ambition.
Steven Fletcher Agrees Wrexham Contract Extension
Wrexham announced earlier this week that Scotland International Steven Fletcher would be staying for the upcoming campaign with a one-year contract extension.
The former Premier League star had an impressive debut season at the Racecourse and quickly became a fan favourite due to his ability to support strike partner Paul Mullin.
Steven Fletcher’s Most Memorable Wrexham Moments
The veteran striker was an important part of Phil Parkinson’s squad in last year’s promotion from League Two.
The Wrexham Insider takes a look and ranks five of his most memorable moments in a Wrexham shirt.
5 – Fletcher’s Debut in Wrexham 2-1 Doncaster
Wrexham fans would have to wait until the 82nd minute to see Fletcher make his anticipated debut for the Red Dragons.
Fletcher would replace club record-signing Ollie Palmer to lead the Wrexham line into the final few minutes of the game.
The Scottish international was able to show his skill and experience in the little time he was on the pitch. His ability to hold off defenders and link up play with close control and flicks impressed the Wrexham faithful.
The cameo appearance gave an insight to what the veteran striker could provide Phil Parkinson’s squad in their push for promotion.
4 – Signing for Wrexham
The striker’s free transfer to the club raised a few eyebrows due to the profile of Fletcher and the clubs he had previously played for.
The 37-year old had featured for the likes of Burnley, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sunderland in the Premier League. Fletcher also had a loan spell in France with Marseille in 2016.
Fletcher’s football league pedigree with spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke City alongside his experience in Scottish Football with Hibernian and Dundee United provided proven journeyman experience that would aid Phil Parkinson’s push for promotion.
Fletcher had a variety of offers before joining Wrexham but opted to join the Welsh club.
Speaking to the BBC about his transfer to Wrexham Fletcher said “One of the biggest selling points was the ambition of the club, and if I can help with that then great.”
3 – Promotion to League One
Fletcher’s signing represented a significant push in Wrexham’s trajectory in the Football League.
Throughout the campaign, Fletcher added experience when results were tight and Parkinson would often turn to the striker late on to help secure victories or change a result if needed.
Wrexham clinched promotion in an emphatic 6-0 win against Forrest Green at the Racecourse.
Fletcher was unable to get himself on the scoresheet that day but to be part of the squad that had just secured promotion to League One would be memorable in his Wrexham story.
2 – New Year’s Day Hat-trick in 4-1 victory against Barrow
The former Premier Striker was able to start 2024 in sensational form showcasing his goal-scoring abilities of yesteryear.
The visitors shocked the Red Dragons taking an early lead but an inspired performance from Fletcher scoring his first hat-trick for the club ensured Wrexham would take all 3 points and start the year with a victory.
On Fletcher’s performance Wrexham assistant manager Steve Parkin speaking to the BBC said “It’s Great for him, he’s had a long illustrious career, been a top player and got off to a great start here … and today he showed what a good player he is.”
1 – Dramatic equaliser in thrilling 3-3 draw against Crewe
Wrexham were trailing by one goal in the 76th minute when Parkinson decided to turn to Fletcher to change his sides fortunes.
Wrexham kept pushing but couldn’t find an equaliser and it looked all set for Crewe to take all three points at the Racecourse.
In the 5th minute of stoppage time the 37-year old striker was able to meet Jacob Mendy’s cross with a diving header sending the ball into the far top corner to secure a last-minute draw and steal victory away from the visitors.
Not only did the dramatic equalizer send the Racecourse into raptures but it was Fletcher’s first goal in a Wrexham shirt and would represent his most memorable moment during his time in North Wales so far.