19 September 2023 , 18:50
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Wrexham forward Ollie Palmer has expressed his delight at the return of the team's talisman Paul Mullin after getting his "partner in crime" back.
The striking duo provided plenty of firepower for the Red Dragons' successful promotion tilt last season and formed a bond on and off the pitch. However, after talisman Mullin suffered a punctured lung during the team's US tour in the summer, Palmer has had to fend without him.
The North Wales outfit have not struggled for goals in the 29-year-old's absence, scoring 20 times despite losing their star man to injury. Although they have only been outscored Swindon Town in their opening eight fixtures of the League Two campaign, Palmer is in no doubt that Mullin has been missed.
With Palmer having found the back of the net once in seven outings this term, he spoke of his excitement at welcoming his former strike partner back to action. There is no doubt his return will be a welcome boost for the club, owned by Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, as well as Palmer.
Speaking to The Leader, the former AFC Wimbledon ace said: "It is good to have my Scouse mate back! We have scored plenty of goals this season already but he is a player we will always miss and it is good to be playing with my partner in crime."
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At present, Mullin is being eased back to full fitness after his injury and has made two league appearances as he steps up his comeback. His application during this period has impressed head coach Phil Parkinson, who was content with his forward's performance versus Grimsby.
Describing how the ex-Tranmere Rovers star is shaping up during this final stage of his rehabilitation as he chases his match fitness, he said: "When Paul first came back he was off the pace but he had a really good week training.
"For him to play the way he played, alright he has not scored but he got in tremendously good areas. We got some really good balls down the side to him and he was a real threat all day."
The Dragons' comprehensive 3-0 victory over Grimsby saw the goals come from a trio of different sources, with Palmer among the scorers. The National League champions' head coach saw Mullin's latest outing as a major boost for the squad, on top of the victory.
"The Grimsby centre-backs know they have been in a real game so we are delighted with his display. He is a confident lad in front of goal, he missed a couple but that won’t affect him, it never has done before.
Parkinson added: "We are glad we have got him back and we are glad with the performance and the contribution from the whole squad which was really important.”