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Wrexham Don’t Need The Ball . . . Just Someone To Put It In The Net

Ryan Hardie of Plymouth. Pic. Alamy

Ryan Hardie of Plymouth. Pic. Alamy

Wrexham are not a team who will dominate possession in the Championship next season, but with the shrewd judgement of Phil Parkinson that may not matter, says Ian Mitchelmore.

 

Phil Parkinson has been no stranger to signing strikers since taking charge of Wrexham four years ago.

The 57-year-old recruited the likes of Jake Hyde, Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer in his first campaign in north Wales.

Sam Dalby and Louis Lloyd - now at Bolton and Caernarfon respectively - joined the following season while the more tried and tested pair of Steven Fletcher and Jack Marriott made the switch to the Stok Cae Ras in 2023-24.

The latter deals demonstrated the desire and boldness of the club's Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney to throw their full support behind Parkinson in his quest to aggressively chase promotions - of which he has delivered three in succession.

The same applied last term as Mo Faal arrived from West Brom while Jón Daði Böðvarsson had a brief stint with the Red Dragons after leaving Parkinson's former employers Bolton.

But with Wrexham well placed to secure a top two finish midway through last year's League One campaign, Parkinson added Jay Rodriguez and Sam Smith to his ranks.

Clinical and proven forwards are clearly pivotal to Parkinson given that his style of play isn't based on dominating possession.

Indeed, according to Fotmob, Wrexham averaged 48.1% possession across their 46 League One matches last season, placing them 15th among all teams in the third tier.

That is likely to decrease further next season against a higher calibre of opposition, particularly with those who have been in the Premier League over recent years being more suited to controlling games.

READ MORE: Ryan Hardie Believes His Championship Wisdom Can Boost Wrexham

But Parkinson's ever-evolving squad has coped astonishingly well, as evidenced by their trio of promotions, with constant change and the noise surrounding the club's ownership.

And they have once again delved into the market to bolster their frontline options ahead of what will be their first season in the second tier since 1981-82.

Ryan Hardie has made the switch from Plymouth to Wrexham, signing a three-year contract with the Welsh side.

The Scottish forward netted 74 goals in 248 games for the Pilgrims at a rate of a goal in every 3.3 games.

Twelve of those goals came across his 40 appearances last season, with 10 of those efforts coming in the Championship, in a side that were relegated as a result of finishing 23rd, no less.

At 28 years of age, Hardie still has a number of years at the top level ahead of him.

As with many other arrivals before him in the Parkinson era at Wrexham, Hardie is also proven at the level the club finds itself preparing to go into.

The avoidance of a protracted summer transfer will undoubtedly benefit both Hardie and Wrexham too.

“I’m delighted to get the move done, I’m really happy to get it done so early and I cannot wait to get going," Hardie said.

“To get a full pre-season will be a massive benefit, to get integrated into the squad and learn the way the manager plays and get to know everyone will be important. 

READ MORE: Wrexham Set To Get Their Man As They Close In On Ryan Hardie

“The last couple of seasons, it’s been good getting experience in the EFL Championship and it’s experience I can lean on now. I’ve enjoyed playing there, and I’ve managed to score a few goals, so hopefully that can continue this season."

Parkinson has been more than happy to recruit with short-term goals firmly at the forefront of his mind - with the additions of Rodriguez from Burnley in January and that of Fletcher from Dundee United two years ago springing to mind.

But, when it comes to adding firepower, Parkinson has achieved an impressive blend of experience while also recruiting players such as Hardie, Marriott and Smith who are tried and tested - ready to hit the ground running as a result, but have more longevity.

The addition of Hardie represents a shrewd signing, both from a football and a business perspective, for a club that will certainly make more headlines as they go in search of one final promotion to secure their place in the promised land of the Premier League.

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