From the moment the League Two fixtures were published in June, Stockport County’s visit to Wrexham had the makings of a classic final day.
The ambitious duo were strongly fancied to do well even before a ball had been kicked, meaning the Racecourse Ground showdown even had the potential to be a straight shootout for the title.
Failing that, maybe one of these former National League title rivals could dash the promotion dreams of the other.
The reality, however, has proved rather different. Stockport were crowned champions last week, four days after joining Phil Parkinson’s side in booking their League One ticket.
That leaves just a final day party to enjoy, with the hosts likely to provide a guard of honour before kick-off to mark Stockport’s deserved title success.
There may still be an edge to proceedings. Wrexham striker Ollie Palmer, who was part of the squad that narrowly missed out on promotion behind Stockport in the 2021-22 National League season, hinted as much this week when he said: “Their manager has been disrespectful to our club in the past and we are all aware of that.”
The pressure will largely be off but emotions will be running high for home supporters, not least because there may be a few goodbyes to say considering the busy summer awaiting Wrexham in the transfer market.
Several stalwarts of the rise from the fifth to third tiers are out of contract in the summer, including club captain Luke Young (pictured above). He has played 258 times for the club but has been in and out of the team this season. Young’s impressive display at Crewe Alexandra last weekend was the first time he had made the 18-man matchday squad in a month.
A trio of defensive titans in Ben Tozer, Jordan Tunnicliffe and Aaron Hayden also see their deals expire on June 30, so Saturday’s promotion party could be their swansong.
Supporters will have their own favourite memories but Tozer’s leadership has been second to none. Some of those out witnessing the players’ celebrations after promotion had been clinched the day before by beating Forest Green Rovers say this even stretched to the pub, with the 34-year-old’s team-mates often taking their lead from Tozer (below).
A sight Wrexham fans may be about to witness for the last time (Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)
His refusal to hide in matches, even when things are going wrong, is another important quality Tozer has brought to Wrexham, along with his missile of a long throw. Hayden brought goals — 20 from 94 appearances, a remarkable return from centre-half — along with a defensive steel that Tunnicliffe also infused into the back three.
Rob Lainton — like Young, a 2018 arrival in north Wales — is another out of contract, along with fellow veteran goalkeeper Mark Howard and defender Callum McFadzean. Lainton has been desperately unlucky with injuries, but the abiding memory of his six years will be overwhelmingly positive, including ‘that’ save last season against Chesterfield.
How did he stop this? pic.twitter.com/uaZ5dlgy2s
— Rob McElhenney (@RMcElhenney) March 1, 2023
With a combined 783 appearances, there can be no doubting the contribution these seven players have made to the Wrexham cause.
Also out of contract this summer is Steven Fletcher, whose eight league goals since arriving as a free agent in September puts him behind only Paul Mullin and Elliot Lee in the club’s scoring charts for the season.
James McClean also signed a one-year deal on arrival but there is believed to be an option to extend the 35-year-old’s stay by an additional 12 months, something that seems certain to be triggered.
We will not know until next week whether any new deals are in the offing. Phil Parkinson admitted this week that he was still mulling over the futures of some, making clear the door wasn’t necessarily shut.
Talks took place between the manager and Shaun Harvey, the board member with responsibility for all contract negotiations, the week before last. Further discussions between the pair have followed in recent days, while the coaching staff have also had their say.
Whether this translates into any new contract offers being made remains to be seen — but Parkinson, out of respect to those involved, has pledged to let the players involved know as soon as possible.
Phil Parkinson’s squad may look very different next season (Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
This points towards the retained list being imminent once the season is over, unlike a year ago when it took until May 15 to be released. Back then, most of the 11 let go were fringe players at best, with Liam McAlinden and Ben Foster agreeing to one-year deals.
What surely isn’t in doubt is that change is coming. As it must at a club stepping up a level for the second time in as many seasons, especially one as ambitious as Wrexham under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Striker Palmer, contracted until 2025, knows all about the third tier, having spent 18 months at that level with AFC Wimbledon before moving to the Racecourse in January 2022.
“There is more quality and discipline in League One,” says the club’s record signing, “But you get more time on the ball, so it is different to League Two, but this club will attack it and do the best we can.”
Providing a fitting send-off to those who have given such sterling service is important. Executive director Humphrey Ker said as much when speaking to The Athletic last Christmas.
“Another reality of football is how things are ever-changing,” said the man who first turned good friend McElhenney on to the idea of owning a football club. “Squads evolve, with players moving on and new players arriving. I want the new guys to enjoy the same experiences that all the more long-serving lads have enjoyed.
“Equally, promotion may mean some of the faces that have been mainstays these past couple of years won’t be with us any more. You want to send them out on a high.”
The Racecourse Ground may have been denied the possible Hollywood promised when the fixtures came out. But Saturday still promises not only a party to remember but also an emotional farewell to those who have played an indelible role in Wrexham’s rapid rise.
(Top photo: Jess Hornby/Getty Images)
