A League Win, a Cup Loss, and a Record Signing
It's been a busy and news-worthy first week of the season for Wrexham
Wrexham claimed all three points to start the season but fell out of the EFL Cup in round one after setting a new transfer record.
The Wrecap:
Wrexham 3 - 2 Wycombe Wanderers
It’s good to be back.
The summer friendlies were fun and all, but now we’re back to true game action as Wrexham kicked off their first League One campaign in 19 years. With record-transfer signing Ollie Rathbone (see below) signed just the day before, he wasn’t in consideration for this match. Instead, Phil stuck with the fairly expected opening lineup: Okonkwo in goal, Cleworth, O’Connell, and O’Connor at the back, Barnett and McClean at wingback, Lee, Dobson, and Cannon in midfield, and Palmer and Marriott up front to do the striking in front of both co-chairmen and a record-breaking Racecourse crowd of 13,214: the largest crowd since 1980 when Wrexham hosted Newcastle United.
It didn’t take the sides long to get going. Both squads put in dangerous attempts in the first five minutes, but it was ultimately Wrexham who found the net first just nine minutes into the match. An Elliott Lee corner was flicked into the danger zone past where keeper Nathan Bishop was protecting and Max Cleworth was there to tap home the first goal of the season. (I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that Bishop, who you’ll remember was responsible for Paul Mullin’s punctured lung and broken ribs last season, received boos whenever he had the ball.) Just twenty minutes later Wrexham bolstered their chances with a remarkable goal. Once again it was Lee starting the play with an arching pass over the heads of everyone to find Palmer - under pressure - in the box. Palmer flicked the ball backwards to Jack Marriott who was in front of the goal. Jack received the ball off his chest before striking it home off his own volley. It was exactly the kind of goal we needed to see from Marriott, who many (including me) are concerned about filling in for Mullin full-time. After his excellent performance against Fleetwood, those concerns are beginning to die down.
There’d be no goals for the rest of the first half and things started off shaky in the second when Wrexham let their defenses falter in the early going. The Wanderers came out of the tunnel with new-found energy and at just 58’ Richard Kone took advantage of a unique situation to put Wycombe on the board. Kone was the target of a long cross but was knocked to the floor by O’Connell. The ball was loose and bounced around behind him as he got up, but rolled right back to his feet just as he stood. He turned and fired above Okonkwo’s head, who was caught off guard by the confusion.
It was a back-and-forth battle over the next twenty-five minutes, with Phil replacing Barnett with Revan (and it’s worth highlighting that he gave Revan considerable minutes on the right instead of the left where he’s played for the Reds up until now), Palmer with Fletcher, Cannon with Evans, and Marriott with Dalby. Jack received hearty applause as he left and deservingly so - beyond his goal, he was a constant threat at the top of the pitch. Then at 83’ Lee put in another solid shot but Bishop saved it. Unfortunately for Bishop, his deflection was cleared by his defender directly to Steven Fletcher, who blasted home Wrexham’s third goal. But the Chairboys netted a second at 89’ when Sam Vokes headed a tricky shot under a leaping Okonkwo to set up a tense finale. But the Reds held on and claimed all three points in their return to League One.
Jack Marriott is my Man of the Match, but Cleworth is a close second. As we see how the starting XI establishes itself over the next few games, it’s worth noting some number changes for the players. Cleworth is now #4, O’Connell #5, and O’Connor #6. Adhering to traditional soccer numbering conventions, this implies that they remain at the top of the center-back pecking order. The same is true for Andy Cannon, who is now #8. He figures to stay in the midfield mix as opposed to someone like Evans, who it seems is firmly behind Dobson and Rathbone at this point.
Read the full report from Wrexham here.
And watch the highlights here or below:
Match Facts:
Starting Lineup: Okonkwo, Cleworth, O’Connell, O’Connor, McClean, Cannon (Evans 76’), Dobson, Barnett, Lee (Revan 88’), Marriott (Dalby 76’), Palmer (Fletcher 67’).
Bench: Burton, Bolton, Evans, Revan, Scarr, Dalby, Fletcher
Goals:
WRX: Cleworth (9’), Marriott (29’), Fletcher (83’).
WYC: Kone (58’), Vokes (89’).
Yellow Cards:
WRX: Cannon (63’), Dobson (71’), Fletcher (90’).
WYC: Bakinson (27’)
EFL Cup: Sheffield United 4 - 2 Wrexham
The final score doesn’t show it, but this game yielded a lot of positives for Wrexham. For starters, Phil didn’t begin in 3-5-2. Instead, he opted for a 3-4-2-1 to start things out, with Burton in goal, Boyle, Scarr, and Brunt at the back, a four-man midfield of McClean, Evans, Jones, and Bolton, with Sam Dalby as the lone striker supporter by attacking midfielders Revan and, in his debut, record-transfer signing Ollie Rathbone (see below). That’s right: it’s a mix of the second-string and starters, which one should expect in an EFL Cup match. After all, the best thing about the EFL Cup, as opposed to the FA Cup, is that it’s a great opportunity to get minutes into the legs of the reserves and academy players since most clubs don’t prioritize the competition. Sheffield fielded a very similar starting XI, but let’s not bury the lede here: if this is Wrexham’s B-team...what a B-team it is. Phil’s done well this summer: we’ve got some serious depth on this squad.
After Will Boyle was denied the opener in the first 40 seconds by a literal finger-tip save, the squads undulated possession for much of the first half, but Sheffield were putting in far more chances than Wrexham were. But Burton, also making his competitive debut, handled the onslaught really well, pulling off a number of important and impressive saves. After nearly a half hour of play, Will Boyle received another chance at the opener, and this time he got it. McClean’s corner found Dan Scarr (another debut), who passed it to Boyle to make the quick shot. But Auston Trusty equalized just five minutes later in chaotic Sheffield corner. James Jones cleared the ball, and it was still being played in the box when the ref signaled for a goal. The goal-line technology (no VAR for this competition) confirmed that Jones cleared the ball from just inside the goal line and the teams would hit the tunnel all even.
Things went downhill quickly for the Reds in the second half. Lewis Brunt conceded an own goal at 57’, and ten minutes later Bolton conceded a penalty with a poor challenge. Burton saved that penalty…but the ball bounced right back to Louie Marsh who rocketed home the goal. Phil had been bringing on reinforcements, but the damage was done as Sheffield held possession for much of the second forty-five. Anis Ben Slimane made it 4-1 at 85’ to guarantee the win, but Seb Revan couldn’t help but continue to make a name for himself at Wrexham. He scored in stoppage time…but his celebration was cut short by more unnecessary Sheffield antics. Sydie Peck, who already had an assist in the game and was probably MOTM, decided to keep Marriott from retrieving the ball and restarting play. It was asinine. Unless Peck was truly worried about Wrexham scoring twice in the minute that remained, this was some ridiculous time-wasting…he deserved the hard push Marriott gave him inside the net. A scuffle ensued, both men were carded, and then the game ended. It was a rather unnecessarily poor way to finish what was otherwise a good game in this budding rivalry.
So, yes, we’re out of a competition…but that might not be so bad. This frees up the schedule to focus on the two competitions that do matter to everyone. Meanwhile, we saw a lot of positive play in this match. Remember: much of yesterday’s squad have barely played together - netting twice against a newly relegated Premier League club is not a bad showing. Besides: Burton inspired confidence as the backup keeper (even with four goals), Revan continued his case to be in the starting XI every week, and Boyle looks like he’s left his inconsistent play from last season behind him.
Read the full report from Wrexham here.
And watch the highlights here or below:
Match Facts:
Starting Lineup: Burton, Brunt, Scarr, Boyle, Bolton (Barnett 80’), Jones, Evans (Dobson 70’), McClean (Marriott 62’), Revan, Rathbone (Lee 62’), Dalby (Fletcher 62’)
Bench: Howard, Cleworth, Barnett, Marriott, Donbson, Lee, Fletcher Cannon, Palmer
Goals:
WRX: Boyle (29’), Revan (90+3’)
SFU: Trusty (35’), Brunt (OG - 57’), Marsh (69’), Silmane (85’)
Yellow Cards:
WRX: McClean (42’), Marriott (90+5’)
SFU: Peck (90+4)
U18s: Wrexham 1 - 0 Lincoln City
Academy play also began this week, with Alex Moore scoring the lone goal of the inaugural match just five minutes into it. Harry Dean and Callum Edwards also received a start here, providing them some much-needed minutes as they’ll likely have limited time on the first team pitch.
Starting Lineup: Elliott Jones, Tommy Clayton, Tom Kelly (Nicholas 85’), Oliver McTweed, Harry Dean, Max Purvis, Hari Roberts (Slosarczyk 77’), George Cruise, Sam Chesworth, Alex Moore, Callum Edwards
Bench: Dafydd Edwards, Bryn Owen, Regan Nicholas, Joe Rees, Nikolas Slosarczyk
Goals:
WRX: Moore (5’)
Yellow Cards: WRX: McTweed (11’), Clayton (79’), Dean (87’), Moore (90’), Edwards (90’)
Read the full report for Wrexham here.
News from the Week:
Jordan Davies Loaned Out
Wrexham midfielder and one of the stars of Welcome to Wrexham, Jordan Davies, has been loaned to League Two’s Grimsby Town for the duration of the season. It hurts a little, but it’s the right move for all involved. Jordan should see regular first-team minutes at Grimsby Town - something he was never going to get this year at Wrexham. If he impresses, he could find himself battling for a starting spot on the squad next season, but if nothing else it should make it easier for Wrexham to find a permanent buyer where Davies can flourish. Best of luck, Jordan!
Cannon Extended
Midfielder Andy Cannon signed a new two-year contract ahead of the upcoming season, extending him through the end of next year with an option for a third season.
Andy established himself last season as a key member of the squad and looks poised to repeat that role again this season.
Ollie Rathbone Signed for Record Transfer Fee
With just over 24 hours until the kickoff of their League One season, Wrexham announced the signing of midfielder Ollie Rathbone from League One rivals Rotherham United. The contract lasts until the end of the 26/27 season and while Wrexham didn’t disclose the fee, they did state it was a new club record.
A product of Manchester United’s academy, Rathbone has a wealth of League One experience with both Rotherham and Rochdale, helping the former achieve promotion to the Championship in 2022. His overall FotMob rating flirts with a 7.00 but was notably better in League One than in the Championship. Still, he ended the season strong and collected one goal, one assist, and one MotM throughout the campaign.
As a record-breaking transfer, you have to assume Phil plans to utilize him in the starting XI. He did yesterday, of course, but the EFL Cup can’t be used as a barometer for the overall lineup. That will come Sunday, and I’d expect to see him in that starting XI. So who gets the bump? Cannon seems to be a lock and I can’t imagine Phil will move Lee to the bench regularly. Dobson will also be expecting regular starts, so I think we’re about to see a lot of rotation in midfield week-to-week.
It’s fair to say this was not the late-stage signing most Wrexham fans were expecting. Instead of a striker, we have signed yet another midfielder - one that certainly increases depth, but in his debut yesterday Rathbone would eventually be placed as a striker, so perhaps Phil sees versatility here - something his resume doesn’t quite support.
Abbie Iddenden Signs One-Year Contract
Forward Abbie Iddenden joins the women’s squad on a free transfer after spending the last two seasons at Stoke City, prior to which she was in the US at Limestone University. Assigned to number 6, she could easily form a regular strike partnership with Rosie Hughes at the head of the Wrexham Women’s formation.
The Week Ahead
Sun 8/18: Bolton vs Wrexham
US: Paramount+, iFollow. UK: SkySports+
It is back to league action this weekend as Wrexham visits one of the tougher opponents on the table: Bolton Wanderers. Bolton also claimed the victory in their opening weekend before exiting the EFL Cup yesterday alongside Wrexham after a penalty shootout with Mansfield. Now they face the Dragons for the first time in club history. The Wanderers had a bit of a rough pre-season, only winning one of their four friendlies, but that doesn’t mean much when it comes to league play. Bolton finished third last year and advanced all the way to the playoff finals. After coming two goals short of promotion to the Championship, they’ll no doubt be looking at Wrexham as a potential easy win. I’m hoping the Reds prove them wrong. A win would be delicious, of course, but I’d settle for an even contest against one of the favorites heading into the season.
Current Tables
Rumor Round-up
Bailey Cadamarteri
The 19-year-old forward’s name has been circulating around the Wrexham camp for the last few weeks, and Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl confirmed this week that Cadamarteri would be available for at least a loan earlier this week. But that’s not the only Owl Wrexham are interested in…
Michael Smith
Phil is also looking at 32-year-old striker Michael Smith on Sheffield Wednesday. I think Rohl is more willing to lose Smith than Cadamarteri, but I’d prefer to see us invest in more young talent rather than another aging veteran. That said…if Smith is open to a loan or a one-year deal, he could be a good fix to our need for a striker while Mullin is out.
John McAtee signs
Another one of the most exciting prospective targets is off the table: McAtee has signed a three-year deal elsewhere. To add insult to injury…it’s with Bolton Wanderers, so it’s highly likely we’ll be seeing what could have been playing against us this weekend.
Ryan Longman goes under the knife
Longman suffered a dislocated shoulder and the injury was bad enough to require surgery. He’s unlikely to be on a pitch soon, so while this rumor may pop up again in January, I can’t imagine Phil is still trying to pull him in this window. I’m taking him off the board.
Rumor Tracker
Reported Interest:
Stephen Humphrys - still a free agent after season start
Joe Morrell - Hearing reports he’s out until at least December, but that’s unconfirmed.
Cyrus Christie
Wes Harding - Started for Millwall in EFL Cup yesterday…could indicate he’s disposable.
Bailey Cadamarteri
Michael Smith
Jason KerrTom Pearce - Joined CF Montréal on a 3-year dealJosh Magennis - Joined Exeter City on a 1-year dealMarc Leonard - joined Birmingham City on a 4-year deal.Marvin Ekpiteta - Joined Hibernian FC in the Scottish Premiership on a 3-year dealJamie Lindsay - Joined Bristol Rovers on a 3-year dealGareth Bale - Happily retiredNeil Etheridge - Joined Buriram United of ThailandTom Bradshaw - Millwall manager Neil Harris says Bradshaw will not move this offseason.John McAtee - Signed with Bolton Wanderers on a three-year deal.Ryan Longman - has undergone shoulder surgery
Squad Depth
Below is the squad as it stands. I’ll keep this depth chart updated as time and transfers go by. My depth rankings are based on the assumption Phil keeps the same 5-3-2 formation and everyone is healthy.
Changes from last week:
Davies removed
Rathbone Added
Revan added to midfield depth
Arrivals
James McClean »»» New Contract through 25/26 Season
Harry Dean »»» Signed to a professional contract from the youth squad
Steven Fletcher »»» Signed to a one-year contract
Mark Howard »»» Signed to a one-year contract
Arthur Okonkwo »»» Signed to a three-year contract
George Evans »»» Signed a two-year extension
Lewis Brunt »»» Signed to a three-year contract
George Dobson »»» Signed to a three-year contract
Max Cleworth »»» Signed a three-year extension
Tom O’Connor »»» Signed a three-year extension
Callum Burton »»» Signed to a two-year contract
Sebastian Revan »»» Signed to a three-year contract
Dan Scarr »»» Signed to a three-year contract
Olliver Rathbone »» Signed to a three-year contract
Departures
Aaron Hayden »»» Released, signed a 2-year deal with Carlisle United
Rob Lainton »»» Released, currently a free agent
Callum McFadzean »»» Released, currently a free agent
Jordan Tunnicliffe »»» Released, signed with Solihull Moors
Owen Cushion »»» Released, signed for Prescot Cables FC
Dan Davies. »»» Released, signed with Flint Town United FC
Ben Tozer »»» Released »»» signed with Forest Green Rovers
Luke Young »»» Released »»» signed with Cheltenham Town FC
Max Hayes »»» Released, currently a free agent
Michael Hayman »»» Released, currently a free agent
Jack Pilkington »»» Released, joined community club AFC Knowsley
Jake Roberts »»» Released, currently a free agent
Dan Wright »»» Released, joined Rhyl 1879
Scott Butler »»» Released »»» signed with Marine FC
Luke McNicholas »»» Loaned to Rochdale for 24/25 season
Jordan Davies »»» Loaned to Grimsby Town for 24/25 Season