With interest emerging from the Championship in one of Phil Parkinson’s in-form stars, Wrexham are discovering that success leads to attention.
Their rapid rise, from the depths of non-league to the automatic promotion positions in the third division, has clubs higher up the EFL ladder casting their eyes over the Racecourse Ground in pursuit of some of the Football League’s brightest talents.
Take Ryan Barnett, for instance.
In Phil Parkinson’s favoured wing-back system, few players epitomise Wrexham’s tale of triumph better than the 25-year-old wideman. Snapped up from Solihull Moors when Wrexham were still a fifth-tier outfit, Barnett has evolved, blossomed in conjunction with the most upwardly-mobile team outside of the Premier League.
According to The Telegraph, the in-form Barnett has admirers at Championship duo Stoke City and Preston North End.
Understandably so, given that he is averaging almost an assist every two games from his rampaging, right-sided wing-back role under Parkinson.
Wrexham’s Ryan Barnett ‘in exhilarating form’ amid Stoke and Preston interest
“Ryan Barnett has started life in League One absolutely on fire,” former England international Carlton Palmer, who earned 18 Three Lions caps in the early 1990s, tells Football League World.
“He’s been in exhilarating form. He’s been outstanding in giving them, in the 3-5-2, width and pushing on. It’s physically so demanding what is being asked of him up and down, but he’s done what’s asked of him and his quality of delivery into the box when he gets there is outstanding.
“That’s why the likes of Championship clubs are looking at him.”
Barnett already has more assists after 11 games this season than he managed in 32 during his time in the division below.
As Wrexham continue to confound expectations, growing in stature and strength with every step they take, there is currently little reason for Barnett to leave North Wales in search of Championship football. Not with a third successive promotion very much on the cards.
Former England star convinced Barnett will stay at Wrexham
One-time Leeds, Southampton and Nottingham Forest midfielder Palmer thinks that, even if Stoke or Preston are willing to put their money where their mouth is, Wrexham will not be easily tempted into a January sale.
“There is not a cat in hell’s chance that Wrexham will sell a player who is very integral to the way they play and the way they look to set up,” Palmer adds. “There’s not a chance they let him go.
“And, of course, why would you want to leave Wrexham? They are on the up with progressive owners. They have money and it’s the place to be. So I don’t think [any bids] will be entertained.
“Of course, people are going to be looking at Wrexham’s players, given what they have done in the past few seasons, but that just goes with the territory.”
Wrexham face Charlton Athletic on Saturday afternoon looking to get back to winning ways. Parkinson’s team were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Huddersfield Town in midweek.
Charlton midfielder Terry Taylor expects Wrexham to use their strengths out wide at The Valley, with Barnett again likely to play a major role going forward.
Wrexham completed the signings of Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Matty James on frees in the build up to that Addicks clash.
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