A list of three out-of-favour Wrexham squad members who the club should plan to get rid of in this January transfer window.
Wrexham’s January transfer window so far has been less of a happening and more of a ‘well, something occurred’. Though arrivals and some departures have crossed the Racecourse, the club’s signing and exit counter practically stands at zero.
Still, given the growing rumour mill around Wrexham, the club is expected to make big signings at some point. That directs the focus towards first-team January exits, which remain an overlooked aspect for many.
Noticing boss Phil Parkinson’s general use of his available options, the gaffer plays mostly with 16-17 names at max. That opens a lot of space for unnecessary exits for players who’re doing nothing impressive while sitting on the club’s wage bill.
On that note, here are 3 players Wrexham should target getting rid of this January(including a goodbye to a club legend as well).
Conor Coady
Fair to say, most Wrexham fans would’ve even forgotten about Conor Coady’s existence in the squad by now. But that’s not coincidental, given the 32-year-old has done negligible to justify his place sportingly.
Despite arriving as the club’s inaugural centre-back purchase last summer, Coady’s Wrexham spell didn’t take off. The result was that he was soon benched by Dom Hyam, who acquired the role naturally.
Fast forward to now, Dom Hyam, Max Cleworth, Callum Doyle and Dan Scarr all lie ahead of Coady in Phil Parkinson’s pecking order. For any particular matchday, the manager picks 3 among those 4, managing everyone’s minutes in a rotation.
The reality is, even if one defender is injured, there’s no problem for Parky and Wrexham. Seldom come double backline injuries, Parkinson can play out of the situation by transitioning his setup into a backfour with Cacace and Longman on the wings.
The bottom line being that, unless for a highly unlikely emergency, Coady has lost his way back in the Wrexham first team. Ultimately, it makes sense to sell him in January and recoup some of the £2.5m spent on him.
Ryan Hardie
If there’s one wantaway star Wrexham fans have been too aware of lately, it’s been Ryan Hardie. Again, that’s been for his transfer links given how the Scot’s Wrexham spell has proved to be a nightmare so far.
Having swapped Plymouth Argyle for Wrexham last summer, it was fair on Hardie’s part to hope for an actual shot at Premier League promotion. While he’s still not out of contention for the tag of a promotion winner, Hardie himself knows he’s got negligible credit of his own to show for.
Despite arriving as the first attacking reinforcement, Hardie soon got behind Kieffer Moore and Josh Windass in Wrexham’s 3-5-2 formation. Though Parky has switched to a 3-4-3 since the Swansea defeat, it’s only grown worse for Hardie than ever.
With both Sam Smith and Ollie Rathbone chipping in consistent goals, they lie miles ahead of Hardie in the last attacking slot. No matter how quickly or how sharper he returns from his ongoing injury recovery, ambiguity prevails if the 28-year-old will be offered a real chance again.
Ultimately, it means that game-time and goals are those luxuries that Ryan Hardie can only seek in a different club now. Considering this scenario, it makes sense for Wrexham and Hardie to part ways soon.
Elliot Lee
Finally, on this list, comes the club hero whom no Wrexham fan would ever want to bid goodbye. However, just like cult heroes Steven Fletcher, Ollie Palmer, and Jack Mariott fared, Lee’s time at the Racecourse could be nearing an end.
Ahead of the Championship season, Lee’s stay seemed a strategic call, though other legends like Super Mullin and Palmer were let go. After all, coming in as the 2nd choice CAM behind Windass, the 31-year-old looked destined for at least another memorable season or so.
However, injuries have shattered both Lee as well as the fans’ dreams. While he managed some game time in the EFL Cup despite knee niggles, his injury didn’t heal. Ultimately, Lee had to be replaced by Jay Rodriguez in the 25-man squad post-surgery.
Talking of the current scenario, Ollie Rathbone has time and again shown he is on par level as the 1st choice attacking midfielder, Josh Windass. Netting multiple crucial goals, the last season’s POTY winner looks in terrific form to give up his spot now.
Hence, Lee’s route to a benchwarmer, let alone a starter, is almost gone. Already 31, the club icon isn’t getting younger, and Wrexham can’t be blamed if they prioritise younger options like Harry Ashfield over him.
Wantedly or unwantedly, this ought to bring curtains on Elliot Lee’s illustrious career at Wrexham. Fans shouldn’t be surprised if the midfielder packs his bags without one final standing ovation at the Racecourse.
