Wrexham completed two new signings on Friday as boss Phil Parkinson bolstered his squad outside of the transfer window.
Wrexham are still going strong in League One but injuries have become a problem in recent weeks.
Midfielder George Evans suffered an injury at Stevenage, just days after Max Cleworth’s injury against Leyton Orient.
Cleworth has returned but the injury list has only grown with both Jack Marriott and Steven Fletcher suffering injury problems.
Wrexham have lost real experience with those injuries and Phil Parkinson felt that he simply had to take action – even with the transfer window closed.
Parkinson was limited to signing free agents but found two players who he believes can make a difference in the coming months.
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Wrexham signed Leeds United target
Wrexham snapped up midfielder Matty James and striker Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, who had been free agents since leaving Bristol City and Bolton Wanderers respectively.
Striker Bodvarsson featured in League One last season and will provide an experienced attacking option with Marriott and Fletcher out.
Signing midfielder James is arguably even more impressive as the 33-year-old racked up 32 appearances in the Championship last term.
A former Leicester City star and Manchester United talent, James brings real leadership to this Wrexham midfield.
Wrexham can be delighted with his arrival and especially because there was significant Championship interest.
The Daily Mail report that James received interest from both Coventry City and Leeds United.
Coventry have not exactly been at their best this season and may have viewed James as a signing to help get back on track.
As for Leeds, the Whites are chasing promotion back to the Premier League and sit level on points with second-placed Burnley.
Daniel Farke wanted a new midfielder as a free agent and James was seemingly one of their prime targets.
Leeds have instead signed former France international Josuha Guilavogui with Wrexham pouncing for James.
James has been in Premier League training
James was rather surprisingly let go by Bristol City at the end of last season and, even more surprisingly, didn’t land a new club over the summer.
Instead, James has been back training with former club Leicester City.
Speaking on Wrexham’s official website, James admitted that he was ‘thankful’ to the Foxes for letting him train of late.
James is much happier being in the Wrexham squad though, gearing up for competitive action with Phil Parkinson’s side.
“I’m over the moon, and can’t wait to get started,” said James.
“It was a weird process for me, not being in a routine. I was training at Leicester, which I’m thankful for, but to be back inside a men’s environment here with the lads – they’re a fantastic bunch of lads and I’ve loved every minute so far,” he added.
James was on the bench for Wrexham at Charlton Athletic on Saturday and will be hoping to make an impact soon enough.