Ben Foster has claimed that Phil Parkinson will find one thing ‘really hard’ at Wrexham in the transfer window.
Wrexham continued working towards their dreams of reaching the Premier League as they secured promotion to League One.
The Reds are now formulating plans for the upcoming transfer window, which opens in a month, to give themselves every chance of achieving an unprecedented third consecutive promotion.
Phil Parkinson has accepted that stepping up to the third tier, especially with the clubs coming down from the Championship, will be their hardest challenge yet.
Birmingham City, backed by fellow American owner Tom Brady, will dip into their deep pockets to rebuild their side in the third tier. Rotherham are serial winners of League One and Huddersfield Town have just hired Michael Duff as their new manager, which is an exceptional appointment at this level.
The competition at the top means Wrexham will have to work extra hard in the transfer window, with Ben Foster highlighting one problem they may have.
Ben Foster thinks Wrexham could find it ‘really hard’ to replace Wrexham players
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds are used to squad overhauls at Wrexham and this summer will be no different.
The Reds have let go of several first-team players who were part of their journey at the very start, including captain Luke Young and defensive titans Ben Tozer and Aaron Hayden.
Parkinson admitted it was hard to say goodbye to important individuals who gave everything for the badge but accepted change was necessary for Wrexham to compete.
Although facilitating the departures of several first-team stars has created space for incomings, former goalkeeper Foster has explained why McElhenney and Reynolds may find it difficult to replace the likes of Tozer and Young this summer.
“Not only even big players, but really good people, really good human beings as well,” Foster said when asked about the nine players Wrexham released [Fozcast].
“Every one you’ve just mentioned there are fantastic human beings as well; it’s really hard to replace that level of person in the changing room. If one club can do it, I’d say it’s Wrexham because their recruitment policy is, we recruit people first and they have to be good at football. That’s how they recruit.”
Wrexham are looking to start their squad overhaul fast
The advantage for Wrexham winning promotion automatically was gaining the edge over some of their rivals who are involved in play-off campaigns.
Wrexham’s Hollywood owners have hinted at getting business done early, however, and this is reflected by the many rumours circulating the club.
Parkinson appears to be looking at defensive reinforcement following links to Wigan Athletic left-back Tom Pearce and Blackpool stalwart Marvin Ekpiteta.
Meanwhile, the club have also reportedly shown an interest in strikers Josh Magennis and Stephen Humphrys, both also from Wigan, as they attempt to bolster their forward line.
That isn’t to mention their continued pursuit of Arthur Okonkwo permanently, with Parkinson claiming the club are working on a deal to sign the 22-year-old from Arsenal.
Given the transfer window isn’t open and interest in players is rife, strap yourselves in for a dramatic window of incomings and outgoings this summer.