Special Edition: Wrexham's Transfer Window Recap
The Dragons' summer business, summarized
Parkinson was busy today. Here’s what you might have missed:
Deadline Day Wrecap:
Mo Faal Signed to Three-Year Deal
Parkinson finally signed a new striker. 21-year-old Modou Faal has joined Wrexham from West Brom through the 26/27 season with an option for a fourth year. Faal rose through the ranks of the Championship club’s academy before heading out on various loans. He split last season between Walsall and Doncaster Rovers, the latter of which saw him feature - and score - against Wrexham at the Racecourse, an experience he didn’t forget:
I think everyone in the football world now knows just how big of a Club this is, and where it wants to be.
Ever since I heard about the project that has been going on here, it has been on an upwards trajectory. Over the last couple of years it has been a Club that has really come through and since hearing about all of that and speaking to the gaffer, it made my decision very simple.
I scored my first professional goal here, and when I came here it was an unbelievable place to play at. The fans are incredible, every single seat was filled. The atmosphere was rumbling and the stadium was absolutely buzzing - to finally be a part of that, It’s unbelievable.
In a video Wrexham posted early this morning, Mo added “[I] can’t wait to see all of you fans and to score many goals - up the town!”
Which is exactly what Phil has in mind for Faal. The Gambian-born Englishman, who just so happens to be old friends with Seb Revan, may or may not feature tomorrow given his lack of time to train with the squad. But one thing is for sure: he was signed not just to win now, but because of his promise in the years to come. He scored 15 times between his two clubs last year, appearing in a total of 53 matches: both of which surpass Ollie Palmer’s totals for last season. Ollie has looked better already this year but still doesn’t seem to have the same edge that he did during his two seasons with Wrexham in the National League, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see Faal surpass Palmer as Mullin’s new striking partner. In fact, that’s where I’m putting him in my depth chart below. But even if he isn’t an everyday starter this year, it seems clear that Phil sees that potential in Faal.
Welcome to Wrexham, Mo!
Bickerstaff to Altrincham on Short-Term Loan
Now armed with a crowded roster, Phil had some pieces to move out today and the first domino to fall was Jake Bickerstaff. The home-grown 22-year-old striker needs some regular first-team experience and now he has a chance to shine for National League side Altrincham, at least until January. On the loan, Phil said:
It’s a good move for Jake. I’m pleased for him, because it’s what he needs at this stage in his career.
It’s also a good move for Altrincham, because he’s a good player but his chances were going to be limited here – he’s over the age of 21, so he wouldn’t have been in our 22-man squad. We’ll be keeping a close eye on him.
Altrincham are currently 16th on the National League table with six points from their first five games (two wins, three losses) and -5 goal differential. So far, they’ve netted just three times…so yeah, they need someone like Jake.
I wouldn’t be shocked to see this loan extended for the full season, but right now Jake will be back on January 13th. Ironically enough, Bickers will not have to get used to a different name on the gaffer’s office door. Altrincham’s manager? Phil Parkinson. Just, you know…a different one.
Waters to FC Halifax on Short-Term Loan
In a move that should surprise absolutely no one, Billy Waters is headed out as well. The 29-year-old striker has also signed a short loan and he knows his destination well: FC Halifax. The 17th-place National League team hosted Waters on loan before in the 21/22 season. The only thing disappointing to me about this move is that it isn’t permanent. Wrexham is clearly not going to be able to give Waters what he needs in terms of exposure or appearances and Waters, at least thus far, hasn’t shown he’s first-team material for this club.
But Billy had success before at Halifax, scoring 19 times during his last stint. Here’s hoping he enjoys even more success this time around. He should return in January unless the loan is extended.
Dalby Loaned to to Dundee United For the Season
Wrexham’s final move of the day was to ship Sam Dalby off to Dundee United in Scotland’s top flight for the rest of the season. It seems this plan might have been in place for some time, with Phil saying: “I had a chat with Sam earlier in the summer, and felt if we got another striker in then the time would be right for Sam to go out and get some first-team football.” Like Bickers and Waters, that’s a chance he wasn’t going to get very often at Wrexham this season. He’s been a key part of our striking force for the last few years, but this move could be an indication of a permanent move to come. With Mullin, Palmer, Faal, and Marriott ahead of him, chances are his path to the starting XI at Wrexham is more than a little blocked.
Wrexham’s Summer Transfer Summary
The summer began with last year’s marquee signing, James McClean, exercising his option for an additional year, only for McClean to eventually see an extended contract for next season. McClean was also officially made the club Captain (which was confirmed this week - more on that in next Wednesday’s Wreader). Early business also saw young defender Harry Dean signed to a professional contract. Veterans Fletcher and Howard were both signed to one-year deals in what could be the final professional season for both players, while Evans, Cleworth, and O’Connor were all handed extensions.
But the number one priority heading into the new season was a new goalkeeper, preferably last year’s incredible loanee Arthur Okonkwo…and that’s exactly who Phil got. With Okonkwo between the sticks for years to come, Phil shifted his focus to the midfield and defensive depth. The back line seems to be in good hands with Cleworth, O’Connor, and O’Connell protecting Okonkwo, but we were woefully short on centerback options after that trio. Enter Lewis Brunt and Dan Scarr, with Brunt coming from Mansfield Town and Scarr a veteran of Championship side Plymouth Argyle. He also added Callum Burton as another back-up keeper. As for the midfield, Phil added Seb Revan to add depth to both wingback positions and he’s already off to a fantastic start. He also brought in a new record-transfer in Ollie Rathbone, as well as Charlton Athletic stalwart George Dobson, who has been a fixture of midfield since his arrival.
Now Faal joins us as one last piece of Phil’s puzzle in the early goings of the League One season. So far, we’ve seen enough from Revan and Dobson to know they were smart investments. We haven’t seen the best that Rathbone has to offer, but it’s notable that Phil has already subbed him in as a striker in addition to playing the midfield. Phil’s given himself plenty of options for the first half of the year, particularly with some very promising talent in Callum Edwards, James Rainbird, and Harry Ashfield waiting in the wings, as well as Jacob Mendy and Paul Mullin close to returning to full health. From this fan’s perspective, we’re in very good shape to continue our strong start to the League One campaign.
Squad Depth
Here it is, your final squad depth chart of the fall. Phil not only seems firmly committed to his 3-5-2 system…it seems to be firing on all cylinders over the first few matches.
Changes from Wednesday:
Faal added
Bickerstaff, Waters, and Dalby removed
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
Mo Faal »» 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
Jake Bickerstaff »»» Loaned to Altrincham until January
Billy Waters »»» Loaned to Halifax Town until January
Sam Dalby »»» Loaned to Dundee United for the season.