Wrexham Planning Player Contract Talks After Promotion
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson revealed the club need to resolve the futures of the numerous players on expiring contracts after sealing promotion to League One.
The Welsh outfit sealed back-to-back promotions earlier this month and will play in the third tier of English football next season, with that step up in quality perhaps leading to some tough decisions when it comes to players in the current squad.
Goalkeepers Mark Howard, Rob Lainton and Liam Hall, defenders Callum McFadzean, Aaron Hayden, Jordan Tunnicliffe and Ben Tozer, and midfielders James McClean and Luke Young will all see their current deals expire in a matter of months, and Parkinson wants solutions "as soon as possible".
"We've got a lot of players out of contract, so we need to sit down and resolve that," he told reporters. "Our first job is treating the out-of-contract players respectfully. Last year we didn't have many out of contract, but this year is different.
"Those talks are important and it is important that we get them done sooner rather than later."
A decision will also have to be made on the future of first-choice goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo. The 22-year-old's loan deal does not include the option for a permanent transfer but he is also approaching the end of his contract with parent side Arsenal, who have not offered him an extension as it stands.
"I have been very much focused on the team and getting the job done, but naturally conversations are always going on about budgets, whatever division we were going to end up in and possible players," Parkinson added.
"We are ahead of schedule on those discussions without a doubt. The planning for recruitment can start right away. So it is a really exciting summer that lies ahead of us.
"The massive challenge for us is can we build this squad strongly to challenge in League One, and I am really looking forward to taking on that challenge throughout the summer months."
