Wrexham sign former 53-goal Premier League striker to help cover the loss of star Paul Mullin as the Welsh outfit look to push on after erratic start to League Two
Wrexham sign former 53-goal Premier League striker to help cover the loss of star Paul Mullin as the Welsh team look to soldier on after an erratic start to League Two
- Last season’s star striker Paul Mullin suffered a long-term injury in preparation
- The new recruit has experience in top flights in England, France and Scotland
- Listen to the latest episode of the Mail Sport podcast It all starts
Wrexham have looked to a former Premier League star in a bid to move on after a promising start in the Football League.
The Welsh team secured promotion to League Two last season under dramatic circumstances under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
However, it hasn’t exactly been a smooth journey back to the Football League. They won two of their first six games, lost one and drew the other three – mainly due to the absence of star striker Paul Mullin, who is out with a punctured lung.
That’s why manager Phil Parkinson may have looked to add more Football League experience to the transfer market, signing a top veteran on a free transfer until the end of the season.
The striker – now 36 – was born just 30 miles from Wrexham in nearby Shrewsbury – and has 53 Premier League goals to his name from 189 appearances, having played for three different teams in the division.
Phil Parkinson’s Wrexham have had an uncertain start to League Two with two wins, one defeat and three draws
Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds (left) and Rob McElhenney (right) have helped attract big names to the club
The player – Steven Fletcher – last saw action in the Scottish top flight, where he could not help save Dundee United from relegation to the Scottish Championship.
But he brings plenty of experience, having played in the top divisions of England, Scotland and France during a long career at the top.
However, he will now be hoping to fill in for Mullin, who scored an impressive 46 goals in all competitions in the 2022/2023 season but is now on the sidelines after suffering an injury against Manchester United in pre-season.
“Hopefully I can bring a lot of experience,” Fletcher said on Friday when he signed for League Two. ‘I’m 36, I’m still fit and I still feel like going.
“One of the biggest selling points has been the Club’s ambition, and if I can help with that then great.
“I don’t think you can’t see what happened at Wrexham. It’s been a great experience for the fans, players and owners, so hopefully we can continue that.”
Wrexham’s season so far has been marked by excitement at both ends of the pitch in the first six games.
They have both scored and conceded 14 goals in the 2023/2024 season and will likely be hoping for more stability to build on in a bid to survive upon their return.
Steven Fletcher has signed a one-year contract for Wrexham until the end of the season
Fletcher played for three Premier League clubs including Sunderland, Wolves and Burnley
Parkinson personally spoke highly of the ‘professionalism’ the 36-year-old can bring to the squad, although he hinted this might not be an immediate introduction to first-team action having spent most of the preparation missed.
‘I am very pleased with the addition of Steve to the team. He missed football in pre-season but he trained with the boys today and it’s good to have him on board.
“His pedigree speaks for itself and he has played at a very high level for most of his career. He is an excellent professional and that is very important to fit in with the group here.’
Wrexham are next in action on Saturday when they welcome Doncaster to the Racecourse in an attempt to continue their three-match winning streak in all competitions.