Wrexham will play in the Championship this season, and all eyes will be on three Red Dragons stars in particular.
Wrexham are just over a week away from kicking off their 2025/26 Championship season, where they will travel away to Southampton on the opening weekend.
The Red Dragons have heavily recruited this summer, with Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac showing vast ambition to solidify Wrexham’s Championship status.
Whilst Wrexham have added many Championship-quality players to the mix, there will still be an expectation on the current crop of players to perform, even those who have arguably been overlooked by Phil Parkinson.
Following the promotion to the Championship, there are three players in particular who will have a point to prove this season.
- READ MORE: Tom Brady shares inside details of Birmingham rivalry with Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac
Wrexham star Elliot Lee will have a point to prove in the Championship
Red Dragons attacking-midfielder Elliot Lee has been an integral part of Wrexham’s recent success, playing a significant role in the three successive promotion-winning campaigns.
However, there remains doubt over whether Lee will be up for the challenge of the Championship, and the game time he will receive now that Josh Windass has been signed following his Sheffield Wednesday exit.
Phil Parkinson knows that Elliot Lee is ‘brilliant’, and should be given an opportunity to prove himself at a higher level – but the Red Dragons man will have a point to prove to supporters, especially those who think that the Championship is out of his grasp.
Ollie Palmer will be keen to rise up the pecking order
Another player whose game time this season will be far from certain is Ollie Palmer, who has slid further down the pecking order.
During Wrexham’s pre-season tour, Palmer played a first-team role, starting games up front for Phil Parkinson’s side; however, that is unlikely to be a constant once the Championship season kicks off.
Wrexham have already signed Ryan Hardie, and interest remains in a deal to bring in Kieffer Moore this summer. It is clear that Parkinson does not hold much faith that Palmer can be a starting striker at Championship level, but he will be keen to prove that wrong.
James McClean will want to prove his quality in the Championship
Since he joined Wrexham, James McClean has been an incredible servant for the club, making a significant difference in the swan song of his career.
In his prime, McClean had the assurance of thriving at Championship level, but at the age of 36, doubts have risen as to whether he can keep up with the pace of the level.
McClean has been a fan favourite at Wrexham since he joined, and his experience has played a crucial part in the recent success of the club. He will have to prove his talent, however, at this level for the upcoming season, and whether he can continue to consistently perform at this stage in his career.