Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson will have three key worries ahead of the 2025/26 Championship season opener against Southampton.
Wrexham travel to Southampton this weekend, where they will kick off their Championship campaign against a recently relegated Premier League side.
The Red Dragons have prepared brilliantly under Phil Parkinson this summer, and after several signings, it looks as though Wrexham have brought together a squad that can weather the storm of the Championship.
Particularly in attack, Wrexham have signed Ryan Hardie, as well as Josh Windass from Sheffield Wednesday. Kieffer Moore’s arrival at the Racecourse Ground is also imminent, whilst there is hope that the Red Dragons can complete a deal to sign Nathan Broadhead from Ipswich Town.
The influx of signings will leave Parkinson with some concerns, however, as the first game of the season approaches.
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Phil Parkinson must work out if James McClean is Championship-ready
Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson will have to deal with a sizeable squad this season, and this includes several players who are past their peak.
James McClean, at the age-of-36, is in the swansong of his career, and there will be concerns as to whether he can continue his top performances at Championship level.
The Irishman played a crucial role in Wrexham clinching promotion from League One; however, the signing of Liberato Cacace could leave McClean as a back-up.
Parkinson is clearly a huge fan of McClean, but the signing of Cacace may be a sign that he has made his mind up on the winger ahead of the upcoming season.
Phil Parkinson must work out his Wrexham striker options
Wrexham’s squad is bloated, especially in the striker department following an influx of signings.
Parkinson has overseen performances from Ryan Hardie and Ollie Palmer predominantly in pre-season, whilst Josh Windass scored last time out against FC Groningen in his first action for Wrexham.
If Kieffer Moore then signs, as expected, as well as Nathan Broadhead, Parkinson will be left with the challenge of constructing his pecking order, something that will undoubtedly lead to a portion of players being disappointed.
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What part will Elliot Lee play this season
After Josh Windass signed for Wrexham following his release from Sheffield Wednesday, many questions arose about the future of Elliot Lee and how much football he would play this season.
Since he joined in the National League-winning season, Lee has been crucial for Wrexham and is a key man behind the success notched by Phil Parkinson’s side, but like the decision made with Paul Mullin, the Red Dragons boss will need to work out if he thinks the attacking midfielder is Championship quality.
Lee could play the role of an impact substitute this season, and his involvement under Parkinson will become clear following the clash with Southampton.