Opinion

Three forgotten Wrexham players who are more important to Phil Parkinson than you may think

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Since the Hollywood takeover Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have supported Parkinson with bug transfers to improve the squad.

Big-name players moved to the Racecourse to be part of the project to help Wrexham progress through the football league.

Players like Paul Mullin, Elliot Lee, and club-record signing Ollie Palmer helped propel the Red Dragons back to the football league.

The Hollywood owners flexed Wrexham’s transfer pull with former Premier League stars James McClean and Steven Fletcher arriving at the StoK Cae Ras Stadium last summer.

After successive promotions to reach League One, manager Phil Parkinson will be keen to improve his squad with further additions.

This week the Red Dragons made their first big move in the transfer window by re-signing former Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo on a three-year deal.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper left the North London outfit on a free transfer after spending last season on loan with Wrexham.

The transfer signals strong intentions from Reynolds and McElhenney to improve Parkinson’s playing squad.

However, several players with a reduced role in the squad will yet have an important role to play next season.

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Mark Howard, Jordan Davies, and Jack Marriot have key role under Phil Parkinson

Recently Wrexham is known for its key players with Paul Mullin and Elliot Lee taking the reigns in most victories.

However, like any successful team, it is important to acknowledge the work of squad players.

Parkinson likes to turn to his bench when things are going his way and it looks like a result is in doubt. Alongside the physically demanding schedule of the football league, injuries cannot be avoided.

Many squad players have helped Parkinson’s side, but, three players represent important roles within the squad.

Mark Howard

Mark Howard has recently signed a contract to extend his stay at the Racecourse. Howard already knows the role he may have to play under Parkinson with Okonkwo arriving permanently in North Wales.

The veteran goalkeeper, turning 38 in September, has vital experience with 330 games under his belt.

Howard has played 40 games for Wrexham but has to battle for the number-one spot.

The former Carlisle United man has an important role to mentor and help the younger goalkeepers at the club.

However, he is more than capable of stepping up if called upon, and may even play in the cup competitions.

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Jordan Davies

Jordan Davies was a big part of the Wrexham midfield in the early days of the takeover. The midfielder would often find himself on the scoresheet and was a strong competitor in the center of the pitch.

There is no doubt injuries have played a part in Davies’s reduced role under Parkinson in the last couple of seasons.

Partnered with the arrivals of Elliot Lee, George Evans, and Andy Cannon, Davies has had his playing time reduced.

However, Davies, 25, has experience of being born and raised in Wrexham, connecting to the Wrexham fanbase on a different level. He knows the club inside out and has been part of the academy in his youth career.

The Coedpoeth-born talent will be looking to challenge the inflated midfield with the determined nature that he has shown since returning to the Racecourse in 2020.

Davies is important because he can also mentor younger players coming through the academy and integrating into the first team.

Jack Marriot

Wrexham’s frontline is very contested with Mullin, Palmer, and Fletcher all regularly showing their quality for the Red Dragons.

Marriott was signed last January to provide the squad with a different profile of striker in the dressing room.

Marriott has good EFL experience with previous time spent in the Championship with Derby County.

Yet he has not found goal-scoring form at the Racecourse with his only goal coming against Forest Green.

However, in several performances, the 5 foot 8 marksman has provided a strong work rate when he has been subbed on.

The 2024 signing will be hungry to improve his goal tally next season and highlight an important role in the squad.

In the striker department, you need a variety of profiles, especially with a strike partnership. Marriott is sharp off the mark and will be a good super sub in League One for Parkinson.