Wrexham are attempting to do the unthinkable this season by achieving a third successive promotion and that aim has got off to a flying start.
Currently first in League One with 13 points from a possible 15, Wrexham are relishing the step up to the third tier following promotion.
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds armed Phil Parkinson with the funds to strengthen his squad and he brought in nine new players, the latest being Josh Adam.
However, arguably one of the most important players this term has been Jack Marriott, the striker who signed from Fleetwood Town in January.
Marriott endured a slow start to life at the Racecourse Ground and started just twice last season while netting his only goal against Forest Green Rovers.
Fast forward to the present day and the 30-year-old has scored three goals in five appearances, with one Sky Sports journalist believing Marriott should start over Paul Mullin against Birmingham.
Here are three reasons why the former Peterborough striker has gone from zero to hero in a Wrexham jersey…
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Paul Mullin’s absence
The most obvious reason why Marriott has flourished this term is down to Mullin’s absence.
He missed the first two games of the season as he was recovering from spinal surgery, allowing him to start alongside Ollie Palmer.
Marriott scored a stunner against Wycombe on the opening day and has bagged further goals against Peterborough and Shrewsbury.
To put it simply, the ex-Derby forward struggled to start ahead of Mullin, who proved to be an immovable object. However, now that he’s been given a proper chance, he’s reaping the rewards.
Marriott is playing for a new Wrexham contract
Marriott always knew that this season was going to be a pivotal one as his contract expires in 2025.
Last season, he didn’t paint himself in the best of lights but now, Wrexham supporters are beginning to see why he once won the League One golden boot at Peterborough.
Perhaps knowing he has less than a year left on his deal has fuelled his motivation to not only prove the doubters wrong with his goals but fire himself to a new contract.
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Marriott recently moved closer to Wrexham
It’s important for every player to feel like the club they’re playing at is like a home.
Last season, Marriott was travelling a lot of miles for training and matches, which impacted his performances on the pitch.
“Jack has got good pedigree, he has scored goals in the Championship and the top end of this division,” Parkinson said.
“He has moved up into the area now which is great, we have got him settled where he want him so we can really work with him.
“He is not travelling too much and he is a great lad. The lads love him, he is a team player but all strikers want to put the ball in the back of the net and he has done that with great style.”
Marriott is proof in the pudding that having a settled lifestyle off the pitch will only positively impact his form on it, with the Wrexham star aiming to score for the third game running on Monday.