Wrexham will be confident they can spring a surprise or two next season.
Wrexham’s first Championship campaign in 43 years is one to excite the fans and Phil Parkinson will be assembling a squad raring to take on the challenge.
Fans are nervous about Wrexham’s fixtures but the chance of taking on the likes of Southampton and Leicester shows how far the club has come under the ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Wrexham’s owners vowed to be ‘aggressive’ in the transfer window and the duo now have the chance to really show the rest of the division that the Red Dragons mean business next season.
Wrexham should beat Hull to double signing of Lewis O’Brien and Louie Barry
Wrexham have made a bid for Lewis O’Brien, believed to be in the region of £5m. If successful, it would be a club record signing, overtaking Sam Smith’s deal from Reading in January.
Hull City are interested in O’Brien but Parkinson’s Championship newcomers can make a real statement of intent by beating an established second tier outfit in the race for the midfielder.
O’Brien has an excellent record in the division and would be perfect to slot into Parkinson’s midfield with his energy and technical ability.
Meanwhile, Hull are also chasing Aston Villa youngster Louie Barry but talks have stalled over a move for the forward.
Barry has haunted Wrexham in recent years and the club should now flex their muscles and pounce upon indecision surrounding his move to the Tigers.
A £3.5m fee is being touted for the 22-year-old but after having spent a loan period at Hull, Parkinson should test the waters over the striker making the move to the Racecourse Ground.
Louie Barry would be the perfect foil for Sam Smith and Ryan Hardie
Barry scored against Wrexham last season during a 1-0 defeat against Stockport County in League One and the young forward has impressed against the Red Dragons in every outing.
He struggled with a knee injury upon arriving at Hull last season and only made four appearances, however, if Wrexham could snatch him away they would have the ideal foil for Smith and new signing Ryan Hardie.
Barry is technically superb, his first touch and ability to evade challenges catches the eye straight away. The 22-year-old also knows where the goal is.
His versatility would also appeal to Parkinson with his ability to play as a second striker or just behind a front two. Barry could be the answer to Wrexham’s unsolved creative issues.