Wrexham FC’s pursuit of glory in the Football League has hit a minor roadblock with their star striker, Paul Mullin, sidelined due to an unfortunate injury. Manager Phil Parkinson is determined to bolster the team’s attacking prowess and has already made bids for new forwards. However, he acknowledges the challenges of acquiring top players who are vital to their current clubs.
The setback occurred during the club’s successful US tour, where they faced formidable opponents such as Chelsea, Manchester United, LA Galaxy, and Philadelphia Union II. Unfortunately, during a clash with Manchester United’s goalkeeper, Nathan Bishop, Mullin suffered a punctured lung and four broken ribs, leaving him unable to return home immediately.
While Mullin is currently recovering at the residence of one of Wrexham FC’s Hollywood owners, Rob McElhenney, in sunny California, the club is eager to see him back in action as soon as possible. Parkinson assured that they are doing everything in their power to facilitate his return when he is fit to play.
The manager revealed, “I spoke to Paul yesterday, and he’s obviously enjoying the Californian sun. It’s not the worst place to be, but he’d rather be back here. He’s in a lot of pain, but the owners are making sure it’s as comfortable a stay as possible. Unfortunately, there’s not much treatment he can receive out there. We are focusing on pain management at the moment. As soon as he can come back, which is in a week’s time, we’ll assess him again and take all necessary precautions to ensure a safe return to the pitch.”
Mullin’s absence is a significant blow to the team, given his outstanding performance last season, where he scored an impressive 47 goals across all competitions. However, Parkinson remains optimistic, stating, “Forgetting that, we’ve got players more than capable of stepping into Paul’s shoes.”
With the start of the new season fast approaching, Wrexham FC faces the challenge of competing in the Football League for the first time in 15 years. Their opening game against MK Dons in League Two will be a momentous occasion, and the club is eager to start their journey on a positive note.
While Parkinson has already made bids for one or two players to reinforce the squad, he acknowledges the current difficulties in the transfer market. “That’s proving difficult because teams don’t want to sell their best players, it’s as simple as that. The market has become inflated, but everyone’s finding that. We’re trying everything we can to secure a player as soon as possible,” he revealed.
Despite the challenges, the manager remains confident in the team’s abilities and is excited to witness Wrexham FC’s return to the Football League. He believes that the US tour has been beneficial for the players, providing valuable experience and preparation for the busy August schedule, which will see them competing in eight games.
“Ideally we would have liked more minutes during the tour, but we had a good block of training before we went there. We tried to balance game time and training as well as we can. Our squad is strong, and we have cover in all positions. We’re still looking to add to that. I feel we’ve got a squad that can cope with the early season challenges,” Parkinson asserted.
Wrexham FC is determined to overcome the hurdles posed by Mullin’s injury and strengthen their squad for the upcoming Football League season. Manager Phil Parkinson’s persistence in acquiring new forwards displays the club’s commitment to success. As the team prepares to take on the challenge of the Football League after a long absence, the players are eager to prove their mettle and make their mark in the competitive landscape of professional football.
