Wrexham have concluded their pre-season and are now gearing for their Championship Open against Southampton on August 9th.
Wrexham’s pre-season has boasted mainly poor results across the pre-season tour in Australia and then the games against FC Groningen in the Netherlands.
Wrexham actually opened their pre-season with a 3-1 win over Melbourne Victory ahead of defeats against Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix before returning to the UK.
Since then, Wrexham played two back-to-back games against FC Groningen last weekend, losing both in 1-0 and 3-1 scorelines.
Next up, Phil Parkinson’s side return to the second tier after more than 40 years’ hiatus with an opener against relegated Southampton at St Mary’s.
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Who’s in form at Wrexham ahead of the Southampton opener?
James McClean
One player who has looked particularly sharp this pre-season is captain James McClean. The Irishman kept fit over the summer with a boxing training camp and he returned looking as good and as fit as ever.
The 36-year-old is among the Wrexham players out of contract in 2026 and Parkinson bringing in Liberato Cacace from Empoli may suggest that Cacace is set to challenge and eventually overtake McClean at the left-back position.
But the experienced wing-back may have one last hurrah in a Wrexham shirt and he could once again play a key role next season having started well this summer.
Harry Ashfield
Another name who has caught the eye this summer is youngster Harry Ashfield. The 19-year-old Ashfield went on the pre-season tour of Australia and Wrexham fans were impressed with Ashfield’s performance in the game against Wellington Phoenix in particular.
Ashfield then featured in the first game against Groningen, playing 84 minutes, and his pre-season involvement suggests that Parkinson may well have a plan for him in the first team next season.
There has been speculation that Ashfield could be sent out on loan this summer, though right now he’s well involved with the seniors.
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Who’s struggled so far for Wrexham this summer?
Dan Scarr
Dan Scarr played a key role in the run-in for Wrexham last season. Following the injury to Eoghan O’Connell, Scarr came into the side and eventually earned praise. Parkinson lauded Scarr’s performances as Wrexham got over the line, but the experienced centre-back hasn’t yet impressed so far this summer.
Against Groningen in particular, he and Arthur Okonkwo were at fault for their second goal in a 3-1 defeat. Conor Coady may walk into the XI in Scarr’s place.
Arthur Okonkwo
Okonkwo had a bit of a hit and miss season last time. After Wrexham signed Okonkwo on a permanent deal from Arsenal, it looked and still looks like a good investment for the club, but the 23-year-old has certainly shown some patchy performances in goal for the Dragons, and that patchy form has led into this summer.
In games in Australia and then in the second game against Groningen, Okonkwo has looked a little shaky in goal, and so Parkinson may have fears that the Englishman might not be entirely ready for the Championship.
If not, Parkinson now has Danny Ward to call upon, but if he too can’t impress, then a new goalkeeper could be signed before the summer transfer window shuts on September 1st.