The Wrexham Insider

Wrexham fans have idolised some brilliant strikers over the years, with Chris Armstrong taking a deserved place on the list.

This summer could see two Wrexham striking heroes leave the club.

Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer have been integral to Wrexham’s rise through the leagues, forming a superb partnership and banging in the goals along the way.

Sadly, Wrexham’s journey means popular players end up leaving the club as Phil Parkinson moulds his squad.

Mullin and Palmer barely featured in 2025 and may be primed for the exit as Wrexham attempt to make a big impact in the Championship.

Just as the likes of Kevin Russell, Andy Morrell and Karl Connolly moved on in years gone by, Mullin and Palmer may find that their time comes this summer.

Chris Armstrong’s rise to Wrexham stardom

Wrexham found a fine striker almost out of nowhere back in 1989.

Chris Armstrong’s rise to stardom at Wrexham is one few could replicate.

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Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Armstrong was raised by foster parents in Wales and began his footballing journey.

Wrexham fans will remember Armstrong as a striker, but he actually started out as a goalkeeper in amateur football.

Armstrong turned to an alternative career as he packed beef burgers for £30 a week, as noted by The Guardian.

The rise really started when he began playing for Llay Welfare in the lower leagues of Welsh football, attracting Wrexham’s attention.

Armstrong only scored three goals in his first season as a teenager with Wrexham, but the potential was there – and he really kicked on in his second season

Armstrong hit 13 goals across all competitions and was attracting real interest as a young talent with a bright future.

Bryan Flynn struck gold with Armstrong, who also scored in a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup tie against Lyngby in 1990.

“That has to be the highlight of my early days,” said Armstrong as he spoke to The Leader in 2019.

“Going away in Europe and scoring the winner. We then played Manchester United in the next round.

“Playing at Old Trafford for a youngster was a great experience but we also played Everton home and away in the League Cup that season too,” he added.

Sadly, Armstrong’s time at Wrexham didn’t last as long as anybody would have hoped, as Millwall pounced to snatch him away.

Armstrong’s time at the STōK Cae Ras was short and sweet, a brief showing of an exciting striker who earned his chance the hard way.

This wasn’t a complete goodbye for Armstrong, but he reached new heights after leaving North Wales.

Tottenham Hotspur forked out record fee for Chris Armstrong

Seven goals in 34 games for Millwall saw Armstrong earn a move to London rivals Crystal Palace, where the goals continued to flow.

Armstrong smashed 57 goals in 136 games for Palace, firing the Eagles to promotion in 1994.

Tottenham Hotspur then came calling, paying a then-club-record fee of £4.5million to bring Armstrong across London.

Armstrong racked up 62 goals in 173 games for Spurs, including two seasons with double figures for goals in the Premier League.

Kevin Keegan even called Armstrong into the England squad to face Poland in 1999, though he didn’t make an appearance.

Tottenham fans were on Armstrong’s back, but boss George Graham praised the striker for his mental toughness in the face of criticism.

“The decision he was faced with was whether to run away from the criticism or stand up to it,” said Graham on Tottenham’s official website.

“I thought he stood up to it magnificently and he was full of goals towards the end of the season,” he added.

Injuries started to pile up and Armstrong departed Spurs for Bolton Wanderers in 2002, where he played just once under Sam Allardyce.

Come 2003, Armstrong was back where his footballing career really took off, completing an emotional return to Wrexham.

“I came back to The Racecourse when Denis Smith was in charge,” said Armstrong, again to The Leader.

“It was good to return to a club where I had so many good memories. It was just a shame we got relegated.

“I was still struggling with the injury and in the end, I had to retire. I just wish I could have done a bit more back at the club. I always look out for their result and just hope that they’ll get back into the Football League,” he added.

Armstrong must be delighted from afar, having not only seen Wrexham rise back to the EFL but just one promotion away from the Premier League.

Wrexham have new heroes in this incredible era under Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, but talents like Armstrong will live long in the memory.

Wrexham fans may need to wait a few weeks for a first summer signing, but Phil Parkinson is being linked with a host of potential additions.

The buzz around Wrexham’s transfer business is already enormous, with some huge names already linked.

Whether it’s Tom Cairney allegedly considering a Wrexham offer or Danny Ings being linked with a move to the STōK Cae Ras, the rumour mill has been churning.

Wrexham’s first summer signing last year only arrived later in June, though, as Arthur Okonkwo signed permanently from Arsenal.

Phil Parkinson doesn’t tend to jump into transfer business early in windows, and that may be the case again this summer.

Parkinson will have targets in mind, though, and Wales international Ben Davies has been linked with a move to Wrexham.

Ben Davies on Tottenham Hotspur future

Wrexham have been linked with a move for Davies, who is out of contract at Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

Spurs can activate a one-year option on Davies, but they have yet to do so – sparking suggestions that he could leave.

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Davies has been a Tottenham player for 11 years now, and the former Swansea City man would be forgiven for being interested in something different.

The 32-year-old still has plenty left in the tank and will be involved as Wales take on Liechtenstein on Friday night.

Speaking to Wales Online ahead of Friday’s clash, Davies admitted that he is still in the dark over his Tottenham future.

Davies noted that the ball is firmly in Tottenham’s court, so he is just focusing on playing for Wales as things stand, with the defender left waiting.

“I don’t think there is anything to update to be honest, I don’t think I am going to be the person who is making any of those decisions, so as far as I’m concerned, it’s full focus here this week,” said Davies.

The uncertainty over Ange Postecoglou’s future surely isn’t helping here, with Davies not only unsure of his own future but also over who will be in the Spurs dugout next season.

Davies is not the only left-footed defender linked with Wrexham this summer.

Aaron Cresswell is also on Wrexham’s radar as he departs West Ham United this summer.

There are parallels between the two; usually left-backs in a back four for most of their careers, both Davies and Cresswell have become left-sided centre-backs in three-man defences.

Wrexham play with a back three, and links to both Davies and Cresswell suggest that signing a left-sided defender is a priority.

Lewis Brunt played well in that role last season, but he is a natural right-footer.

Thomas O’Connor is an option in that role, but Parkinson may be keen to add another option with real Premier League experience this summer.

Cresswell is certainly an easier deal to advance right now given that West Ham have already decided to release him, but Wrexham will be keeping close tabs on Davies and his situation at Tottenham.

Wrexham are looking to make major additions to Phil Parkinson’s squad this summer, with defenders seemingly high on his wish list.

Wrexham have pulled off the unthinkable, achieving three straight promotions under Phil Parkinson.

Major reinforcements are needed with every step up the ladder, and Wrexham really need signings this summer in order to compete in the Championship.

Parkinson will look for new additions across the pitch, but adding new defenders appears to be a focus.

Wrexham were linked with Craig Dawson over the weekend as the veteran prepares to leave Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Experience has been a common theme in most Wrexham rumours so far this summer, and that is also the case on the left side of defence.

Don Goodman on Ben Davies to Wrexham rumours

Lewis Brunt played on the left side of Wrexham’s defence for most of this past season, but he is a natural right-footer.

Thomas O’Connor offers another left-sided option, but Parkinson appears to be chasing a signing in that area.

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Wrexham were linked with Aaron Cresswell last week after West Ham United decided to release him.

Another rumour emerged just days ago with Wrexham tipped to move for Ben Davies.

Welsh international Davies could leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer and Wrexham have been linked with an impressive swoop.

EFL pundit Don Goodman has now told Football League World that he can understand the appeal of signing Davies, even if he is another player over 30 being linked with Wrexham.

Goodman believes that Davies has a ‘few years left’ at a high level and could play on a weekly basis for Wrexham.

Goodman added that Davies ‘may get better offers’ than Wrexham, possibly nodding towards potential offers to stay in the Premier League.

“It seems every player that Wrexham are linked with seems to be the wrong side of 30, but at 32 years old, and with all that experience, I can understand the appeal of Ben Davies,” said Goodman.

“He’s a player that’s looked after himself, so he’s still probably got a few years left. Would he want to drop to the Championship? Maybe. He only started 14 Premier League games last season and 12 the season before, so from his personal perspective, he is now at an age where he needs to be playing football week in and week out, and a club like Wrexham would give him that opportunity.

“It may be a case though, that he may get better offers with respect to Wrexham, so we’ll wait and see,” he added.

Ben Davies would be a huge capture for Wrexham

We have heard it all before about Wrexham only signing players over 30, and recent rumours have done little to dispel that belief.

The numbers don’t lie, though, as the average age of Wrexham signings has been coming down with each passing season.

Davies may be in his 30s, but he has only recently turned 32 and is far from finished at Premier League or Championship level.

Aforementioned target Cresswell turns 36 later this year, and we would have fewer concerns about Davies slotting into Championship football and playing for a few years yet.

The Welshman is ideal as a left-sided centre-back in a three-man defence, possessing calmness in possession and great reading of the game.

Wide centre-backs must contribute in possession; both Brunt and Max Cleworth showing their class on the ball last season.

Davies can offer similar attributes and would be the kind of signing to show that Wrexham really mean business in the Championship.

As Wrexham prepare for life in the Championship, the ambitious Welsh club have earmarked Ben Davies as a potential signing this summer, and bagging the Spurs ace would be a genius move.

We always knew Wrexham would look to go big in their attempts to establish themselves in the second tier, with aspirations to eventually make it to the Premier League within the next decade.

Still, the names the Red Dragons have been linked with already this summer are pretty impressive and very ambitious.

The likes of Jamie Vardy, Tom Cairney, and even Cristiano Ronaldo have been mooted as potential Wrexham signings (no, seriously).

More recently, Tottenham Hotspur’s Ben Davies has been added to that list, with the Welsh defender set to become a free agent this summer.

Here’s why he would be a fantastic signing, what he can offer Wrexham, and why pulling off the transfer will be very difficult.

What Wrexham can expect from Ben Davies

First of all, let’s look at what Ben Davies offers on the pitch in terms of his general playing ability.

One massive advantage of having a player like Davies is, he’s very versatile, being able to play at centre-half or at left-back. He’s also left-footed, which makes him an ideal acquisition for any team looking to bolster that side of the pitch without compromising on a right-footer.

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What’s more, Davies is an incredibly calm and composed ball-playing defender; another valuable commodity in the modern game.

In a Spurs defence that has suffered injury issues all season, the Welshman has been a consistent and very competent presence. He’s someone who very rarely does the remarkable, but will always deliver on the basics to an impeccable standard, and there’s a lot to be said for that kind of player.

Davies’ most attractive qualities, though, are his work-rate, dedication, and immense experience.

He’s the kind of player who could come in and have a legitimate shout at being Wrexham captain (alongside James McClean, of course). Davies has brilliant leadership skills and his mature head and experience make him an ideal candidate to guide the team through this long-awaited return to the second tier.

Plus, he’s just won a major European trophy with Spurs. Not a bad time to be signing him, then.

Ben Davies is a dream fit for Wrexham, but there is one issue

If Phil Parkinson is to stick with the 3-5-2 formation that served him so well in League One, then Ben Davies would slot into that left-sided centre-half role like a dream for Wrexham.

Naturally, that would push some Wrexham players out, most likely Lewis Brunt. Still, if there’s one thing Wrexham need to do this summer, it’s to look at things objectively and recognise that upgrading the squad is crucial to continuing this incredible success story.

Truth be told, a player like Davies would be an absolute cheat code for the Championship and is the kind of signing that would immediately raise Wrexham from being ambitious underdogs to genuine contenders for a top-six push.

It sounds silly to suggest that a 32-year-old defender could be that influential, but Davies really would be a massive coup for Wrexham despite his age.

The only issue really is whether Davies would want to take that step down to the second tier. There is no doubt he can still offer a lot for a Premier League club, and it would be surprising if he didn’t have offers at that level this summer.

Of course, Wrexham have two advantages: They can offer Davies a return to his native Wales, and they can probably match the financial package he would get for playing in the Premier League, too.

If Wrexham can pull this off, it’ll be a big signal of intent for what they plan to do next season. Now, we just have to wait and see if the Red Dragons can bring the Welshman home.

Wrexham are targeting Premier League experience as they gear up for their first season in the rebranded Championship.

Phil Parkinson has confirmed Wrexham are looking at taking Premier League players on loan this summer and a few names have already been linked.

As well as signing rising talent from the top tier, though, a number of experienced stars have been tipped to make a move to the Racecourse Ground.

Wrexham want Aaron Cresswell once his West Ham United contract runs down at the end of June 2025.

Meanwhile, rumours have emerged in the last few days that the Red Dragons are looking to sign Ben Davies.

Davies is out of contract with Tottenham Hotspur in a month’s time and would therefore arrive on a free.

We have now taken a look at potential winners and losers should Wrexham get a deal over the line for the 32-year-old.

Winners from Ben Davies transfer to Wrexham

Phil Parkinson

Perhaps the most obvious winner from Davies joining Wrexham is manager Parkinson.

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The step up to the Championship from League One is massive, but signing a player of his quality for nothing would be great business.

He might be 32, but Davies is still playing at a very high level, having featured 28 times for Spurs in 2024/25.

The veteran defender would bring a level of quality not currently in Wrexham’s backline, and his versatility would be useful to Parkinson.

Wrexham fans get their wish

Should Davies arrive, Wrexham fans would get something they have been asking for quite a lot since the takeover.

As expected, given they were stuck in the National League for 15 years, the Dragons have not been represented properly in the Welsh national team for a while.

However, Davies is already well established for Wales, playing 93 times for his country, and a transfer to Wrexham would finally mean the club’s supporters can watch one of their own players during the international breaks.

Losers from Ben Davies transfer to Wrexham

Lewis Brunt

As already mentioned, Davies is a versatile option who started his career at left-back but has moved into a centre-back role in recent years.

This is expected given his declining pace, and while he would be a perfect fit for Wrexham’s back-three, it would likely mean fewer minutes for Lewis Brunt.

Brunt had a slow start to the 2024/25 season but quickly established himself as a key figure after finally being handed a chance.

However, the stopper typically plays as the left-sided centre-back in the three, which is Davies’ most likely position should he be signed.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s bank balance

Wrexham will quadruple their wage budget now that they are in the Championship.

However, even Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds may look twice at Davies’ current wage.

Capology says that the defender is taking home a staggering £80,000-a-week at Tottenham right now.

Even if Wrexham don’t pay him that much, he’s likely to demand somewhere close to that fee, more than quadrupling the earnings of the club’s current highest earner (Jay Rodriguez, £15,000-a-week).

Jacob Mendy

Whether Davies would be used much in the left-wing-back role or not remains to be seen, but if Parkinson is happy to still play a 36-year-old James McClean in that role, he’ll probably give Davies some minutes there as well.

That would be bad news for Jacob Mendy, who is already far down the left-back pecking order.

McClean, Sebastian Revan, and Ryan Longman are already featuring ahead of him, and a fourth addition in that area would surely kill his chances of playing at all in 2025/26.

The Championship is going to be a big step up for Wrexham and they’ll need all the help they can get, so these five Premier League starlets could be the key.

Wrexham did the unthinkable this season, securing a third-successive promotion to make it out of League One at the first attempt.

Life in the Championship will be exciting, of course, but it could prove very challenging for Phil Parkinson and the Wrexham squad.

We know Wrexham will have money to spend in the second tier, but it’s not just about snapping up big signings. No, the Red Dragons need to think shorter term as well, and look to the loan market for support as they look to establish themselves in the Championship.

Here, The Wrexham Insider highlights five young Premier League talents that Parkinson could borrow ahead of next season.

Wrexham need to make the most of the loan market this summer

Jamie Donley

A player who will be on every Championship club’s wishlist this summer will be Tottenham Hotspur’s playmaker Jamie Donley.

The 20-year-old has spent the season on loan with Wrexham’s League One rivals Leyton Orient and has eight goals and 11 assists in 50 appearances.

Wrexham have already been told to sign Donley this summer, and it is very likely Spurs will look to send the youngster out again with a view to testing him at a higher level.

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His versatility — Donley can play in the 10 role, up front, or even out wide — would make him a fantastic addition to Parkinson’s squad, and there’s every chance he explodes to become one of the Championship’s best players next season.

George Earthy

This one would be a tough one, largely because his parent club, West Ham, are thought to be keen to assess his talents over the summer, but George Earthy would be a top signing if Wrexham could pull it off.

He’s been on loan at Bristol City this season, registering three goals and one assist in 39 appearances as the Robins made it to the Championship play-offs.

Earthy offers similar versatility and creativity to Donley, though he also comes with that extra bit of experience that could be crucial for Wrexham.

Whether West Ham let him leave on loan again remains to be seen. Earthy could well be the next Hammers academy graduate to make an impact in the first-team there, but Wrexham should at least test the waters.

Jahmai Simpson-Pusey

Wrexham’s defensive line is going to be tested more than ever next season. The likes of Eoghan O’Connell and Tom O’Connor put in impressive displays in the third tier, but whether they can handle the step-up is another matter.

What Parkinson needs is a defender with more dynamism, agility, and a little more ball-playing ability. What better source to get that than by borrowing Manchester City’s next bright talent?

Jahmai Simpson-Pusey has already featured for Pep Guardiola’s side this season with eight appearances, including a start in the Champions League. It’s an ambitious target, then, but we know Wrexham like to push the boundaries of what’s expected of them.

Guardiola may feel that, after a difficult season this year, he needs to recruit new players to improve his squad, which could push Simpson-Pusey down the pecking order and leave him needing first-team experience.

Indeed, a full campaign strutting his stuff in the Championship would be massive for the 19-year-old.

Harry Amass

James McClean is a Wrexham legend, but he isn’t getting any younger. The Red Dragons’ skipper is 36-years-old now and it’s time to think about the future.

We already know Wrexham are eyeing Manchester United youngster Jack Kingdon this summer, but they should add Harry Amass to that list, too.

The young full-back is struggling to break through at Old Trafford and would obviously love the chance to prove himself.

He’s a more defensive player than McClean, but that might not be a bad thing for Wrexham if they want to tighten up and ensure they don’t get turned over in the Championship.

Jayden Danns

Wrexham were linked with Jayden Danns in January, but it was Sunderland who snapped up the Liverpool striker in the end. That move turned out to be a disaster, though, with the 19-year-old picking up an injury immediately and not featuring at all for the Black Cats.

This summer is crucial for Danns’ development, then, and Wrexham could hand him a lifeline. Just because this loan spell with Sunderland hasn’t worked out, doesn’t mean Danns can’t still be a great asset for any Championship club.

He’s an athletic, powerful striker who knows where the net is, and what’s more, he’s going to be desperate to prove himself next season. Plus, Liverpool will be eager for him to go out on loan, too, so it’s a win-win for Wrexham if they want a simple deal.

Wrexham look set to sign a striker before the transfer deadline but one previous target appears to be heading to the Championship.

The January transfer deadline is inching ever closer and Phil Parkinson has just a few more days to get his business done.

Against the backdrop of some concerning form on the pitch, Wrexham have completed just the one January signing so far.

Ryan Longman joined Wrexham last week, completing a move from Hull City worth around £500,000.

Longman should be a fine addition given his versatility to play in different roles, but Wrexham do still need another striker.

Wrexham are now close to signing Sam Smith with the Reading striker expected to complete a club-record move.

Wrexham summer target now wanted by Cardiff City

Parkinson will be delighted if the Smith deals gets over the line but will have backup targets in mind in case anything goes wrong.

One man who may still be on Parkinson’s radar is Tottenham Hotspur talent Will Lankshear.

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Reports over the summer suggested that Wrexham had made enquiries into signing Lankshear on loan.

Tottenham ended up deciding to keep Lankshear and wanted him to develop around Ange Postecoglou’s squad.

The 19-year-old has played just 10 minutes of Premier League action but has scored in one of his three Europa League outings.

Tottenham have now recalled Dane Scarlett and Football London claim that Lankshear is now set to go out on loan before the deadline.

Wrexham may well still be keen but it’s stated that Tottenham now want him to be playing Championship football.

Lankshear could still end up in Wales though with Cardiff City thought to be interested.

The Bluebirds are looking to pull clear of the Championship relegation zone and seemingly want Lankshear to help them.

Cardiff aren’t alone though with Burnley, Luton Town, Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion also keen.

It’s fairly clear that Lankshear won’t be joining Wrexham now but Parkinson won’t be too fussed if he can secure Smith.

Sam Smith a huge statement of intent

Maybe Wrexham could have snapped up a young Premier League talent like Lankshear or Jayden Danns.

Loan deals can help provide an injection of quality but Wrexham could have been left to target another new striker this summer.

Instead, Wrexham have decided to splash the cash and make a real statement by pinching the star striker of a League One rival.

Smith is a proven League One goalscorer across his spells with Reading and Cambridge United, but may well be ready to step up to the Championship.

The 26-year-old still has some untapped potential and Wrexham will not only see him as a player who can help the promotion push this season, but also make a huge impact for the coming years.

Lankshear is a great talent but Wrexham have decided to splash the cash on a club-record deal for Smith instead – and that statement of intent is certainly exciting from Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.

Wrexham are in the market for quality additions in the January transfer window but Phil Parkinson can already count on some top stars.

The January transfer deadline is now just two weeks away and Wrexham fans are still waiting like kids at Christmas.

Phil Parkinson tends to leave his January business late and that may well be the case again this year.

Wrexham do need to strongly push for additions though with promotion to the Championship on the line.

Thursday’s 2-1 defeat at Shrewsbury Town – and the continued away struggles – mean Wrexham need a boost.

Fans will certainly fear that no additions will cost Wrexham a chance at promotion, but Parkinson at least has stars he can rely on.

Callum Burton on Arthur Okonkwo

One of those is goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo.

The stopper spent last season on loan at Wrexham from Arsenal before turning his move permanent in the summer.

Okonkwo broke his wrist in November and has only just returned, but he has been superb once again when called upon.

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Now back in action, Okonkwo has reclaimed his position as Wrexham’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Okonkwo was not the only goalkeeper to sign over the summer though as Wrexham also struck a deal for Callum Burton.

Burton’s season may be over after an injury of his own but he has been impressed with Okonkwo.

Speaking on Mark Howard’s ‘Yours Mine Away’ podcast, Burton praised Okonkwo as ‘brilliant’ whilst noting that he is so laid back.

Burton noted that Okonkwo may have rubbed people up the wrong way in a bygone era as he is often the last one out for training, but it works for him.

Burton likened Okonkwo to Sheffield United stoper Michael Cooper as well as Tottenham Hotspur’s Fraser Forster, believing that he has a great skillset alongside the ability to rush out and make saves other goalkeepers simply can’t.

“I think Arthur is brilliant,” said Burton.

“I’ve never met a guy so laid back in my life, but it works for him so well. He comes out for warms up, just goes through his normal warm up and just performs.

“15 years ago, you’d probably have everyone like ‘I’m not having him because he’s last out’ but I’ve not seen him have a bad session yet, or a bad game.

“When you see someone at 6ft 6in and is good with their feet, a good shot stopper… you’re just saying ‘well, it’s a matter of time’, like it was with Coops – it’s the exact same – he’s been brilliant, and the best bit is he’s such a nice guy. You can’t not like him, he smiles all the time and he just enjoys life.

“I had a moment in my career, when I was at Cambridge, Mark Bunn was my goalie coach and I was still half thinking ‘come out and try and make a difference’ and he said ‘just stay deep and save everything, just try staying deep for a game’ and I did it and had a really good game. From there, with shots, I just stay deep because I think it gives you so much more time.

“Arthur is the complete opposite. Arthur sprints down the line of the ball and things just hit him – it’s like watching Fraser Forster, it’s the exact same. I watched him in the first shooting session and I was like ‘how is he saving all these?’ – I could never do that,” he added.

Wrexham need to find more players like Arthur Okonkwo

Wrexham’s rise to League One has mostly been off the back of signing proven, experienced players.

Eoghan O’Connell, Elliot Lee, James McClean, Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer and Steven Fletcher all spring to mind.

Wrexham do also need to add some younger players though and we saw that last summer.

Modou Faal, Sebastian Revan, Lewis Brunt and Josh Adam fit the bill with Wrexham looking to add more talent for the future.

More of those talents are needed at Wrexham and there are no doubt players like Okonkwo in Premier League development squad waiting for a big chance.

Wrexham have a free weekend and Phil Parkinson will be watching FA Cup action from afar having fallen in the first round.

Wrexham fans will have certainly hoped for a strong FA Cup run this season.

Phil Parkinson masterminded a win over Shrewsbury Town last season and beat Coventry City a year earlier.

There was to be no cup magic for Wrexham this season though having crashed out in the first round of the FA Cup.

Defeat at Harrogate Town was not in the plans for Wrexham but a poor performance in Yorkshire resulted in elimination.

The third round of the FA Cup is taking place this weekend and Wrexham’s clash with Reading was postponed due to the Royals being in cup action.

Former Wrexham ace set to take on Premier League giants

Wrexham players have been through a hectic schedule of late and Parkinson is pleased with a break for his squad.

Parkinson will no doubt keep tabs on other FA Cup games this weekend though and one tie looks particularly interesting on Sunday.

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Tottenham Hotspur travel to take on non-league side Tamworth with Andy Peaks looking to embarrass Ange Postecoglou.

Wrexham may not be in the National League anymore but fans may still fancy cheering on a lower league side for a cup giant killing.

There is even a familiar face in the Tamworth ranks as striker Jordan Ponticelli will be in contention to play.

Ponticelli only joined Tamworth in December but is now set for a huge clash just a month into his career with the club.

Former Wrexham striker Ponticelli has been coming off the bench for Tamworth of late but would no doubt love to start against Tottenham.

Ponticelli joined Halesowen Town in September but only after their FA Cup exit, so the forward is clear to face Tottenham on Sunday.

Jordan Ponticelli record for Wrexham

Ponticelli joined Wrexham on loan from Coventry City in 2020 but the COVID outbreak halted his impact after two goals in five games.

Wrexham had still seen enough to strike a permanent deal for Ponticelli, and he responded with four goals in 28 games during his first season.

Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds purchased Wrexham in 2021 and Ponticelli lasted just one more full season at the club before being released.

Ponticelli actually scored in Phil Parkinson’s first win as Wrexham boss, ironically finding the net against Tamworth in a 5-0 pre-season win.

Ponticelli scored five times in 33 games in that 2021-22 season, bringing his total record to 11 goals in 66 appearances.

“I am not a guy for excuses,” said Ponticelli to The Leader after being released by Wrexham.

“I was fine before Covid but the next season I got injuries which weren’t great and didn’t help my game-time.

“Again, there are no excuses; it was just unfortunate, that’s the way things go and I just had to get on with it. We had the takeover which increased money at the club, and that led to limiting my game-time but it is what it is,” he added.

The 26-year-old moved on to King’s Lynn Town, Halesowen Town and now Tamworth, with the striker looking to make himself a cup hero against Premier League opposition.

Wrexham fans would surely love to see Ponticelli take that role against Tottenham and he is certainly a player to keep an eye on in Sunday’s third-round ties.

Wrexham are once again on the hunt for a new striker in the January transfer window.

Paul Mullin’s goal return has fallen off a cliff in 2024/25, while Ollie Palmer’s only found the back of the net three times in League One.

This sees Wrexham lagging behind their promotion rivals when it comes to goals scored this season.

Phil Parkinson and co. look set to address that issue in the January transfer window, with attacking reinforcements expected to arrive.

Joe Gelhardt and Patrick Bamford were linked to Wrexham in December but there’s been little movement on that front over the last week or so.

More recently, reports claim Plymouth Argyle forward Ryan Hardie is of interest to the Welsh outfit.

Now, Wrexham’s chances of signing a player they wanted over the summer have been rated by an expert.

Wrexham chances of signing Will Lankshear from Tottenham in January

Wrexham wanted to sign Will Lankshear from Tottenham Hotspur over the summer but Spurs decided to keep him in North London.

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However, the teenage forward has seen his game time very limited in the first half of 2024/25.

With Wrexham eyeing a centre-forward once more, returning for Lankshear does make sense.

But football.london’s Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold has reported that an exit in the winter may be difficult because of Spurs’ injury problems.

He wrote: “football.london understands there has been a lot of interest in Lankshear, with some clubs looking to sign him permanently and many on loan, but Tottenham’s injury problems make it difficult right now to let him go.

“Verdict: Sticking around unless Spurs sign a striker late in the window which might open the door ever so slightly for him,” he added.

Will Lankshear Tottenham stats vs Wrexham strikers

So, while a deal is unlikely to happen soon, there remains a chance Wrexham could be allowed to go back in for Lankshear at the back end of January.

His experience at senior level is limited but the Englishman’s goal return for Spurs at both youth and senior level is superb.

Lankshear is not the only young Premier League talent to have been looked at by Wrexham either, with Manchester United’s Ethan Wheatley of interest as well.

Wheatley has scored 24 goals and provided three assists in 45 appearances across various levels for Man Utd.