Wrexham have had a brilliant start to life in League One this season, claiming 13 points out of a possible 15, doing it without their star player in Paul Mullin.
The former Cambridge United striker-turned-celebrity thanks to the club’s documentary series has been out injured for most of the summer after having surgery on his back. He has made some return to action across recent weeks, coming on as a substitute against Shrewsbury Town, Peterborough United and Reading.
Jack Marriott was the beneficiary of the injury to Mullin at the start of this season, has finally kick-started his career at The Racecourse Ground, sitting alongside Ollie Palmer to produce three goals from his opening five games. With the Wrexham number nine edging closer to full fitness, an EFL Trophy match against Salford City gives the chance to give him his first start of the season.
They open their campaign in the cup at home to the Ammies, who are already on the brink of elimination due to a 2-0 loss to Port Vale. Karl Robinson’s side are 19th in League Two but will be buoyed by their win over MK Dons last time out.
Speaking to the press about Mullin’s current fitness, Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson said (Quotes via Wrexham Leader): “We’re still in the process of getting Mulls right but his back is getting better all the time.”
“He had a major operation and the longer we can manage him, the better it is for him. Obviously there comes a point when he is chomping at the bit.
“Paul has been a great player for us but he is a good lad as well and he totally understands this is a great period for him to get some minutes off the bench, some on Tuesday night and we will keep building him up gradually.”
Since arriving in North Wales in July 2021, the former Morecambe and Tranmere Rovers man has already racked up 105 goals in 143 games, outscoring Erling Haaland, Macaulay Langstaff and Andy Cook in that time period.
Marriott meanwhile joined The Red Dragons last winter from Fleetwood Town, but struggled to find the net since joining, only scoring once in 17 League Two games. Speaking about the 30-year-old finding his form since the start of the season, Parkinson added: “Jack is doing great. He sat on the touchline a lot last season, when he got his chance the goals didn’t quite come for him but he was unlucky not to have scored more.
“He has taken his opportunity this season, him and Ollie are working tirelessly at the top of the pitch.”
Writer’s View
Paul Mullin has been Wrexham’s star player during their ascent up through the divisions. Having him return from an injury will boost a squad that’s already proven they will be a force at the top end of the League One table and a cup game like the one tonight against Salford will give him a chance to get crucial minutes in order to regain fitness ahead of what will be a massive game against Birmingham City this weekend.
Jack Marriott will feel hard done by as he will likely be benched in favour of Mullin in weeks to come. He has done an admirable job in the opening salvos of this season to lead the scoring charts at the club so far. If he can channel his form into future substitute appearances, he will be yet another key asset to Phil Parkinson’s men if injuries come up further down the line.
Wrexham have a real chance at winning the EFL Trophy this season. They are the only side in their group in League One, with Port Vale and The Ammies in the division below, and joined by Wolves’ Under-21 side. They were eliminated by Burton Albion in the first knock-out round last time, but can easily go further and make their way to Wembley. But if the season pans out like it currently is for them, then Parkinson should fully focus on pushing for promotion.
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