Wrexham are finding some teething problems after Phil Parkinson racked up 14 signings since winning promotion from League One.
Wrexham were beaten 3-1 by Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, and the manner of the defeat set off alarm bells for many supporters.
Phil Parkinson’s sides are usually so strong defensively, but Wrexham have been vulnerable at the back this season.
Parkinson is confident that results will come as Wrexham continue to bed new players into the squad, but the huge summer window only increases the pressure.
READ MORE: Wrexham’s confirmed transfers in 2025 summer window, incomings and outgoings
Photo by Mark Fletcher/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesSimon Grayson on Wrexham transfer business
Wrexham racked up 13 signings over the summer and then snapped up free agent goalkeeper Reuben Egan after the transfer deadline.
Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds backed serious spending over the summer as Wrexham managed to outspend Barcelona, committing more than £30million to new additions.
Wrexham have not seen instant success from those deals, and the pressure will be on Parkinson if results don’t turn.
Former Leeds United boss Simon Grayson has now shared his verdict on Wrexham’s summer spending, while speaking to The Football League Paper (14/09, p39).
Grayson believes that Wrexham have taken a ‘very sensible approach’ to the summer window by signing proven Championship players.
The ex-Preston North End manager believes there is nothing wrong with signing younger players and developing them, but Wrexham have the money to go and sign instant impact players.
Grayson pointed to deals for the likes of Ben Sheaf, Kieffer Moore, Josh Windass and Lewis O’Brien, claiming that Parkinson has purchased a ‘readymade’ Championship team.
Grayson doubts that those players can make an impact in the Premier League, but thinks they could fire Wrexham to the top flight in the first place.
“Wrexham don’t build teams for the future. They build teams for now. It’s a very sensible approach,” said Grayson.
“There’s nothing wrong with looking towards younger players, thinking ‘Okay, they’re not ready now but we can coach them, maybe improve them and sell them on’. But if you’ve got the money, and you want success here and now, there’s no substitute for signing players who are proven at the level.
“As a manager, it’s always what I’ve tried to do. And when you look at the signings Wrexham have made this summer – Ben Sheaf, Kieffer Moore, Josh Windass, Lewis O’Brien – that’s exactly what they’ve done, too. Those four alone have got hundreds of Championship appearances, and that’s without even counting the likes of Ryan Hardie and James McClean. They’ve effectively bought a readymade Championship team.
“Can they play in the Premier League? Probably not. But that doesn’t matter if you don’t get there in the first place,” he added.
Wrexham need points in the next five games
Wrexham have Premier League ambitions, but finding some semblance of consistency is the immediate goal.
Defeat to QPR came after a brilliant 2-0 win at Millwall, leaving fans to feel that Wrexham had taken one step forward and another one back.
One win from five games shouldn’t spark panic, but Wrexham must put some points on the board in the next five games.
First up is a trip to Norwich City, before Wrexham host Derby County at the STōK Cae Ras.
Wrexham travel to Leicester City and host Birmingham City before the next international break, and then return with a trip to in-form Stoke City.
That is a tough run to say the very least, and Wrexham need to find a way to pick up points – or Parkinson will be met with increased pressure.