Wrexham are now keen on adding strength in depth to their defence and midfield after securing another attacking signing.
Ryan Hardie joined Wrexham as the club’s first summer signing, taking Phil Parkinson’s striker options to a total of seven within his current Wrexham squad.
Ollie Palmer has been told he can leave and fellow club Legend Paul Mullin is set for a move to Wigan Athletic as the Red Dragons prepare for emotional departures.
Wrexham have offered a contract to Craig Dawson in a bid to lure the defender to the Racecourse Ground and Wrexham Insider has caught up with Wolverhampton Wanderers expert Rosie Tudball to gain an insight into Dawson’s time at Molineux.
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Wolverhampton Wanderers expert Rosie Tudball provides insight on Craig Dawson traits
Max Cleworth and Lewis Brunt are expected to play major parts in Parkinson’s back three at Wrexham next season but Dawson is seen as an experienced head who can guide and support the young duo.
Dawson has plenty of Championship experience and has impressed in the Premier League with the likes of West Ham and Wolves.
Wolves expert Tudball has reflected on Dawson’s time at the club and provided an insight into what Wrexham fans can expect from the defender.
What are Craig Dawson’s strengths as a player?
Dawson was so influential during Gary O’Neil’s time at Wolves because of the experience he added to the back line. He was one of the best defenders in terms of making blocks in the Premier League in 2023/24, mainly because he anticipates the game so well. He’s a strong leader, an aerial presence in both boxes and a model professional.
What are Craig Dawson’s weaknesses as a player?
Dawson isn’t the quickest, and at 35, he’s not got the youthful spark that some up-and-coming centre-backs have.
What is his character/personality like as he would be mentoring some young players at Wrexham?
Dawson has always been a model professional at Wolves. O’Neil could always count on Dawson, which is what earned him as many starts as it did over the 23/24 campaign.
The Englishman is humble, and his experience is something that offers something very rare to those around him, both during games and away from the action.
Have you seen a decline in Dawson recently with his age becoming a factor?
To some degree, yes, but I don’t think it’s solely to do with his age. He was fantastic in 23/24 and a real revelation for O’Neil. I think Vitor Pereira’s arrival just marked the end of Dawson’s playing time at Wolves, as the new manager wanted something largely different.
You can see through Wolves signing Agbadou to play alongside Toti that Pereira wanted more pace and dynamism at the back, something Dawson isn’t known for.
Could you rate Dawson as a signing out of 10?
Dawson’s impact at Wolves was tremendous, and I’ve got no doubt that he could make a similarly fantastic impact at Wrexham. Aside from being a top-quality experienced defender, Dawson’s leadership skills could see him become especially valued as a figure of inspiration for those around him.
Wrexham fans should be excited by Dawson
Dawson can play until he is 40 according to his former Wolves teammate Mario Lemina and the 35-year-old fits the bill as the type of signing that Parkinson likes to acquire.
He would slot in at the heart of Wrexham’s back three and provide guidance to Cleworth and Brunt with the options of Eoghan O’Connell and Dan Scarr available should Dawson need a rest.
| Craig Dawson’s career stats | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Dawson | 522 | 55 | 16 |
Dawson was backed to play for England during his time in the top flight with West Brom and starred in West Ham’s run to winning the UEFA Conference League in 2023.
Should the Red Dragons agree on acceptable terms with Dawson, he would represent another piece of outstanding business for the club.