Phil Parkinson has just ‘shocked’ many at Wrexham with latest transfer decision, it could impact star player
Phil Parkinson has ‘shocked’ figures within Wrexham with his latest signing of Danny Ward, Wrexham Insider understands.
Phil Parkinson praised Ward after the goalkeeper signed a two-year contract to return to the Racecourse Ground.
Ward joins Ryan Hardie as Wrexham’s two summer signings so far and Parkinson is keen to add more quality to his squad before the Championship season opener against Southampton.
With Ward’s arrival, there have been questions over what the deal means for Wrexham’s current goalkeepers Arthur Okonkwo and Callum Burton and Parkinson has certainly ‘shocked’ a few with his decision.
READ MORE: Wrexham flop who Phil Parkinson signed in 2024 seals emotional return to former club on a free transfer
Danny Ward will be Wrexham’s number two goalkeeper as it stands
Burton will feel aggrieved at Ward’s arrival after impressing as Okonkwo’s understudy last season before facing fitness issues of his own.
Okonkwo isn’t daunted by the Championship and will be keen to further enhance his glowing reputation with the Red Dragons next season.
However, according to TBR Football’s chief transfer expert Graeme Bailey, the acquisition of Ward has been a huge surprise to figures within the club.
Bailey stated: “I do know that some within the club are shocked by Danny Ward’s signing and what that will mean for Arthur Okonkwo – who was arguably their best player last season.
“As it stands it is presumed Ward will be No 2.”
Wrexham fans are puzzled by Ward but the Red Dragons will need a strong squad for the challenge next season and Parkinson sees his experience as adding something to the group.
Danny Ward’s Championship record
Neither Okonkwo or Burton have any experience playing in the second tier and it is thought that Ward would be used as part of their learning experience.
Should Okonkwo have a challenging spell next season, he has Ward’s experience to lean on and Parkinson knows that he has an international goalkeeper to take the youngster out of the firing line.
As long as Ward doesn’t hinder the progress of Okonkwo, it is another smart acquisition from Parkinson in having that blend of youthful energy and wiser heads.
However, the acquisition is not good news for Burton and with a 25-man squad restriction next season, it remains to be seen what happens next with the 28-year-old goalkeeper.
What Steven Fletcher and Mark Howard have been doing since being released by Wrexham
Wrexham pair Steven Fletcher and Mark Howard had a key role in the club’s latest promotion but they have now been released.
Steven Fletcher was the Dragons’ top-scoring striker across the 2024/25 season despite largely featuring from the bench.
As for Mark Howard, he did a solid job midway through the campaign when both Arthur Okonkwo and Callum Burton were suffering from injury problems.
However, Wrexham confirmed eight players were leaving the club in May, with the aforementioned duo on that list.
Fletcher left ‘not by choice’, seemingly confirming it was not his decision to depart the Racecourse.
