Our prediction: 10th
Likely finish: 7th–15th
Transfer window so far: 3/10
Biggest question
Can they strengthen the squad sufficiently before the transfer window closes?
Why we still believe in Wrexham
Wrexham have had a disappointing transfer window so far. The club are yet to confirm any new signings, while Paul Mullin, Jay Rodriguez, Thomas O’Connor and Andy Cannon have all departed. Mo Faal has also been sent out on loan.
On paper, it has been one of the weakest transfer windows in the Championship to this point, and the squad as it currently stands does not look strong enough to justify a top-half prediction.
Nevertheless, we are putting Wrexham 10th.
The reason is relatively simple: the club have ambition, financial muscle and owners who have repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to invest when necessary. The appointment of Steve Nickson as sporting director is another indication that Wrexham are thinking beyond the short term and attempting to build a structure capable of establishing the club at a higher level.
Our 10th-place prediction therefore comes with an important caveat. It is based on the expectation that Wrexham will be busy before the transfer window closes.
Strengths
Phil Parkinson is one of the most experienced managers in the Championship and knows how to build teams that are extremely difficult to beat.
Wrexham are physically strong, disciplined and particularly dangerous from set pieces. Those qualities should translate well to the Championship, where the ability to compete physically and grind out results remains enormously valuable.
There is also a winning culture around the club after several years of success and promotion. The players have become accustomed to pressure, expectation and important matches, while the continuity within the group should give Wrexham something to build on during their first season at this level.
That momentum and togetherness could prove particularly important when they inevitably encounter difficult periods.
Weaknesses
The Championship represents an enormous step up.
Wrexham will now face deeper squads, a considerably higher tempo and opponents containing players with extensive Championship and Premier League experience.
The departures of several experienced players mean the current squad requires significant reinforcement. There is also a question over whether Wrexham possess enough pace, particularly defensively.
AdvertisementAgainst the division’s better attacking teams, they could be badly exposed in transition unless additional athleticism and quality arrive before the window closes.
The lack of incoming business is therefore much more than a minor concern. The difference between the current squad and the one that begins September could ultimately determine the direction of Wrexham’s season.
Key player
Josh Windass
With Paul Mullin no longer at the club, considerably more attacking responsibility falls on Windass.
He has the experience and quality to influence matches at this level, but Wrexham will need both goals and creativity from him consistently. If Windass delivers throughout the season, their chances of establishing themselves in the top half increase significantly.
What they still need
Wrexham have plenty of work to do.
A proven goalscorer should be one of the priorities, along with a quick centre-back capable of dealing with the increased pace of Championship attacks.
They could also use a dynamic central midfielder and greater speed and quality in the wide areas. Addressing those positions would transform the outlook considerably and give Parkinson a squad much better equipped for the demands of the division.
Verdict
Our 10th-place prediction is based on Wrexham conducting significant business during the remainder of August. With the squad as it stands today, we would have them considerably lower, somewhere around 14th–16th.
However, we expect the club to invest before the window closes.
If they recruit well, Wrexham should have enough quality, organisation and momentum to compete in the upper half of the Championship. Automatic promotion looks unrealistic, while even the playoffs would represent a major achievement in their first season at this level.
A finish around 10th place, however, would represent an excellent first Championship campaign and is where we believe Wrexham can end up if the expected reinforcements arrive.