The Championship is set to return this weekend, with Wrexham set to return to action against Stoke City.
Phil Parkinson’s team had been on a four-game unbeaten run before the most recent international break that began with Wrexham’s first win over Norwich City in 55 years.
It can be argued that this form has come about due to the time that had been given to allow the summer transfers to understand the tactics that the club wished to play.
There was a lot of change at the club over the summer as Wrexham spent £33 million on 13 new signings; however, they did not get every target that they were after, with one of those heavily linked with the club set to face the Red Dragons this weekend.
Aaron Cresswell could be the thorn in Wrexham’s side this weekend
Wrexham were interested in Aaron Cresswell after the experienced full-back became available for free, with several reports linking him to a move to the Racecourse Ground.
Ultimately, he chose to sign for Stoke City, who the Red Dragons face this weekend in the Championship, after it was reported that Wrexham ‘dithered’ over the Cresswell deal despite offering him a contract.
Cresswell was keen to stay close to his home in the North West, which gave the Red Dragons an advantage over most of their transfer rivals.
However, this failure would force Phil Parkinson to consider other options, resulting in the club chasing and acquiring Liberato Cacace, who has not had the best start to his career in North Wales due to his couple of injuries.
Now, Cresswell has the chance to help his new club earn a victory over one which chased him for a sustained period this summer, as Stoke can end Wrexham’s unbeaten run with a win.
The failure to sign Aaron Cresswell was not detrimental to Wrexham
The veteran full-back has enjoyed a fine start to life in Staffordshire, and this may have made Wrexham fans envious at the start of the campaign as they struggled defensively.
However, Cacace has demonstrated exactly why he is an international full-back in his couple of performances for the Red Dragons thus far, while Ryan Longman has deputised in this role expertly for the injured New Zealander.
Wrexham captain James McClean has also shown that he is more than capable of playing a part in this position this season, showing age is only a number.
So while there may have been initial disappointment not to land Cresswell, and while he may come back to haunt them this weekend, the long-term picture looks positive for Wrexham in this position with their options.