Wrexham’s start to the transfer window has been outstanding and there’s one clear reason why Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds deserve so much credit.
Phil Parkinson is brewing up a storm as Wrexham announced their third signing of the summer on Saturday, capturing George Dobson on a free transfer.
Following a successful spell at Charlton Athletic, Dobson was supposed to join Hungarian side Fehervar on July 1, although he pulled out of that move due to personal circumstances.
Parkinson was left delighted with the arrival of the 26-year-old, who made it a hat-trick of signings after Arthur Okonkwo and Lewis Brunt.
The Reds are currently pulling off transfers that are leaving most third-tier clubs envious and the way they’ve gone about their business has been fantastic, paying credit to Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.
Why Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds deserve their flowers
Under the ownership of McElhenney and Reynolds, there is a misconception that the Hollywood superstars have splashed the clash and ‘bought the league’.
In essence, when they were in the National League and League Two, Wrexham were able to outmuscle their opposition financially, and that made it easier to sign the best players.
But, there is one clear pattern emerging with their business this summer, as Parkinson continues to make shrewd acquisitions for cheap, as opposed to splashing the cash.
Goalkeeper Okonkwo and midfielder Dobson both arrived on free transfers while Wrexham paid a fee for Brunt, though it wasn’t a bank breaker.
The profile of players signed so far has also been admirable, as while Okonkwo and Brunt are youngsters with fantastic potential to develop, Dobson is a seasoned League One player, having racked up 265 appearances in the third tier.
McElhenney and Reynolds – two of the wealthiest owners in the division – deserve immense credit for not opening their chequebooks and instead, looking in the market for bargains.
Where Wrexham still need to strengthen
Wrexham have signed a number-one goalkeeper in Okonkwo, who will play ahead of veteran Mark Howard, as he did last season.
Parkinson has also added to his defence with the signing of centre-back Brunt, after watching multiple defenders leave upon the expiry of their contracts, whilst strengthening their engine room with the addition of Dobson.
It’s been an incredibly positive start to this window however, there are still multiple positions that need bolstering.
Paul Mullin’s injury could see Wrexham go into the market for a new striker while a left-back is needed to challenge Jacob Mendy.
Wrexham have been linked to Millwall’s Tom Bradshaw up top and Hull City’s Ryan Longman to play the wing-back role.
It remains to be seen whether those two targets arrive at the Racecourse Ground, although the profile of signing and the players linked points to another great season for the club.