Wrexham splashed the cash on signing Sam Smith during the January transfer window, and that looks like money very well spent.
Wrexham decided to spend in January, with Phil Parkinson keen to make a real push for another promotion.
Ryan Longman joined Wrexham from Hull City, which marked something of a coup given Oxford United’s interest.
Parkinson wanted more firepower, too, and Wrexham’s transfer record was shattered on Sam Smith.
Smith arrived having proven himself as a fine League One goalscorer with both Cambridge United and Reading.
The goals have continued to flow in a Wrexham shirt, as Smith’s brace against Charlton Athletic on Saturday took him to seven goals in 18 games for the club.
Smith dazzled pundit Sam Parkin with an ‘electric’ display, which included an acrobatic volley to help Wrexham seal promotion.
Sam Smith on Wrexham transfer
Wrexham needed an immediate impact from Smith after his January arrival from Reading.
The previous transfer record at Wrexham stood at around £500,000, set twice last summer with Ollie Rathbone and Modou Faal arriving.
Splashing around quadruple that price tag on Smith meant expectations were immediately set sky-high.
Add in that Smith was effectively replacing Paul Mullin in the Wrexham attack, and he needed to show that he was worth the money.
Smith has certainly done that and has now opened up on just how badly he wanted to sign for Wrexham.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Smith admitted that he was ‘desperate’ to join Wrexham and get started at the STōK Cae Ras.
Smith accepted the pressure that came with his price tag but admitted that he enjoys that extra scrutiny.
Smith highlighted his proven record in League One, backing himself to make an impact at Wrexham – and he has been proven right.
“There was a lot of pressure coming in and being quite a big signing,” said Smith.
“It’s something I enjoy, pressure is a privilege. When the opportunity came about, I was desperate to get in. I knew at this level I could help any team, I’ve proven that in the past. To get two goals [against Charlton] is just amazing,” he added.
Ryan Reynolds on Sam Smith
Smith was exceptional against Burton Albion and produced a moment of outstanding quality to find the top corner against Wycombe Wanderers.
Saturday’s brilliant acrobatic effort against Charlton was arguably his finest goal yet and he left Ryan Reynolds stunned in the process.
Smith told BBC Sport that Reynolds called him a ‘beast’ for his first goal against Charlton, suggesting that it was a ‘kung fu finish’.
Smith praised both Reynolds and McElhenney, stating that both are ‘amazing’ and ‘down to earth’.
“He said I was a ‘beast’ and that it was a ‘kung fu finish’,” said Smith.
“I think he asked if I’d been watching him in his films and he just said he was proud and delighted for me.
“My dad met him today, he watches all of his films. He was star struck and he’s 67 years old, so I think he was more delighted with meeting him than watching me score. It’s surreal meeting them [Reynolds and McElhenney], they’re both amazing people. They’re down to earth, nice guys,” he added.
Smith now has a chance to really test himself at Championship level having more than proven himself in League One.
This is a real step up in quality, but Smith’s ability to score so many different types of goals will hopefully stand him in good stead next season and beyond.