08 September 2023 , 14:41
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Wrexham have finally found a stand-in for Paul Mullin in the form of a former Premier League ace after a move for their top target dramatically collapsed.
The Red Dragons saw the transfer of Harrogate Town's Luke Armstrong fall through on transfer deadline day after the EFL refused his registration. However, it seems chairmen Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have been eager to put this right and have found a solution in ex-Wolves striker Steven Fletcher.
The Scotland international has been without a club after departing Dundee United following their relegation from the SPL last term. The veteran star will bring bags of experience to the Racecourse Ground, having notched 53 Premier League goals in 189 outings across spells with three top flight teams.
Having lost talisman Mullin to injury during their pre-season tour of the US, the National League champions have been on the lookout for someone to fill the void. The 38-time international is backing himself to make an impact in League Two, saying: Hopefully I can bring a lot of experience, I'm 36, I'm still fit and still raring to go.
"One of the biggest selling points was the ambition of the club, and if I can help with that then great. I don't think you cannot see what has been happening at Wrexham - it's been a great experience for the fans, players and owners so hopefully we can continue that."
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Head coach Phil Parkinson was similarly delighted to have pulled off this latest coup, saying: "I'm really pleased with the addition of Steve [Fletcher] to the squad. He's missed football through pre-season, but he's trained today with the lads and it's good to have him on board.
"His pedigree speaks for itself, and he's played most of his career at a very high level. He's an excellent professional and that's really important to fit in with the group here."
Ryan Reynolds was left disappointed after the deal for Harrogate Town's Luke Armstrong dramatically fell through on deadline day (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)The Dragons also showed interest in prolific Peterborough Town striker Jonson Clarke-Harris on transfer deadline day but the trail soon went cold. According to Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony, the League Two club had failed to make a concrete offer for the 29-year-old, however.
New signing Fletcher scored 10 times in 39 appearances in all competitions in Scotland last season. His goals were to no avail, however, as The Tangerines failed to beat the drop and eventually went down to the second tier after finishing bottom.
The fourth-tier side's chiefs will be hoping the signing will help to galvanise the team after a mixed start to the new season. Despite high expectations they currently sit 13th in the table, albeit following a 1-0 derby victory against arch rivals Tranmere Rovers.