09 August 2023 , 11:53
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Wrexham's head coach Phil Parkinson believes that the increased popularity of the club has impacted their ability to strike deals in the transfer market.
The Welsh side have enjoyed success both on and off the field since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney announced a takeover deal in 2021, but it's not all been plane sailing.
With opposing teams privy to Wrexham's new-found wealth, teams are asking for higher prices then usual, according to Parkinson.
As they look to make an impressive on their return to the Football League following a 45-year absence., they have only managed to bring through two players this summer, and have lost star striker Paul Mullin through a brutal pre-season injury,
Speaking to Sky Sports before a penalty shootout win over League One Wigan with a much changed team, Parkinson has noticed a significant difference when dealing in the transfer market. "We have had that, the prices tend to go up," he said.
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"The owners, myself and Shaun Harvey are sensible as well. We have our valuation of the players and we stick to that. So, it's always tough to get good players. I am very pleased with the ones we have got.
"We have got a lot of work to do to get the season off and running hopefully tonight. We have given a lot of lads a game tonight who needed but equally, we have picked a team which I feel are capable of getting through."
Wrexham AFC manager Phil Parkinson and James McClean (Wrexham AFC)The club's first summer signing saw veteran defender Will Boyle join the side. The move will be the 27-year-old's seventh club and sees him join following a five-year spell at Huddersfield Town.
34-year-old James McClean has also joined from League One side Wigan Athletic. The veteran winger has considerable experience, including spells in the Premier League with both Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion.
Despite the new faces through the door, Wrexham have lost star striker Mullin through injury. The forward, who scored 38 goals in 46 games in the National League last season, suffered a punctured lung after colliding with Manchester United goalkeeper Nathan Bishop, who has since moved to Sunderland.
"[Mullin] is a top player to replace," Parkinson added when asked about the club's transfer business. "We are looking. We have got a few bids on the table but it's difficult to get good strikers out of clubs especially when they don't want to sell or they don't need to sell financially.
"And the answers we have got within as well, bring somebody great. If we don't, we have got a few answers within the squad and Mullin won't be out for too long anyway."
Wrexham have started their campaign in League Two with a disappointing 5-3 defeat to MK Dons at home, but followed up with the win over Wigan on Tuesday night. The team are next in action when they travel to AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.