Wrexham enter League One with several key decisions to make in the transfer window and there’s one player who must prove his worth to Phil Parkinson.
Excitement is building ahead of Wrexham’s first League One in almost 20 years, with Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds outlining their ambitions to reach the Championship.
Surprisingly, it’s been awfully quiet on the transfer front as there hasn’t been any concrete interest in any players, although links to Stephen Humphrys and Marvin Ekpiteta, in particular, show the direction Phil Parkinson wants to continue heading in.
He’s looking to add further depth and experience to his ranks while bolstering his goalkeeping, centre-back, left-back, central midfield and striking options.
There is one area however, that doesn’t necessarily need improvements and that is right back.
Wrexham are well covered at right back
The most pressing decision Parkinson had to make with his team selection towards the end of the campaign was who to start at right back.
Luke Bolton, who arrived from Salford City on deadline day, and Ryan Barnett both battled for the starting berth and sadly for Bolton, it was Barnett who came out on top.
The 24-year-old only started five league matches since joining the club in January while Barnett – who was described as ‘terrifying‘ to defend against – was selected over his rival for the last five matches.
Wrexham ended the campaign on a five-match winning streak with Barnett contributing two goals and one assist in wins over Crawley Town, Colchester United and Forest Green, the match that sealed the Reds promotion.
Heading into pre-season, despite previously describing Bolton as “outstanding” in training, Parkinson prefers Barnett to play that wing-back role.
Luke Bolton must prove his worth to Phil Parkinson
Bolton is undoubtedly a talented operator, producing six assists from his 37 League Two outings last term. However, since he’s arrived at Wrexham, Barnett has truly stepped up his game and made that position his own.
Now, it’s about how Bolton reacts in pre-season and shows he’s worthy of becoming a regular starting player in League One, as currently, he is second in command.
With a pre-season trip to North America taking place, the Manchester City academy graduate will have a chance to impress against Premier League opposition as Wrexham face Bournemouth and Chelsea.
During this period, Bolton can truly stake a claim in Parkinson’s plans moving forward because the former Bradford City boss will give everyone a fresh start.
The only instance that could see his game time put in jeopardy heading into 2024/25 is if the Reds sign a new right-back, although, with more pressing fires to burn out, it’s a position that will likely remain as it is.
However, if McElhenney and Reynolds do invest in another right-sided defender, Bolton’s place in the squad could be in jeopardy.
The post ‘Outstanding’ Wrexham ace will now have to prove his worth to Parkinson, or risk being frozen out - opinion appeared first on The Wrexham Insider.