Phil Parkinson has done an impressive job leading Wrexham back into the Football League, but kicking on and pushing to climb the pyramid will require more investment.
Owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have backed the boss, and their reward was top spot in the National League last term. The previous season's National League champions Stockport were in the hunt for a second promotion before falling short in the play-offs, and Parkinson's side will be keen to make a similar impact.
A number of players with EFL experience have been linked, with Wrexham looking like an enticing option for those prepared to drop down the divisions. Here, Mirror Football looks at how they might line up next term.
Goalkeeper and defence
Ben Foster played a big part in goal towards the end of last season after joining on a short-term deal. However, as coach David Jones has explained, we're no closer to learning whether the veteran will re-retire or extend his stay.
"We knew what we were bringing in with Ben towards the end of the season," former Man Utd and Wrexham midfielder Jones told The MEN. "He's played at the highest level. We know he brings personality to the dressing room and on the pitch I think he displayed that in his performances and came up with big moments.
"His impact was big but so was Rob Lainton's and Mark Howard's, who played the majority of the games this season. Everybody played their part in the goalkeeping position.
Who should Wrexham sign this summer? Have your say in the comments section
![](https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article30108352.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_Ben-Foster-file-photo.jpg)
"With Ben, I don't know what he plans to do next year and what the plans for the club are but he's a top goalkeeper still at his age. It is for the club and Ben to decide what the situation is there but we want the strongest squad and despite being here for a short time, Ben was a massive part of that."
In front of Foster - or another keeper - Wrexham have a back line with plenty of Football League experience. However, with manager Parkinson expected to add versatility and options to the group, there's a chance the Red Dragons opt for a back four rather than the wing-back system used for much of last season.
That would require protection for Jacob Mendy if the attack-minded left-sided player operates in a left-back role. He would be the only one of the back four without league minutes, though, with experienced centre-back Ben Tozer joined by January signings Eoghan O'Connell and Ryan Barnett.
Midfield
![](https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article30108337.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_International-Football-Cymru-v-Latvia-Cardiff-City-Stadium-Cardiff-Wales-UK.jpg)
For all the talk of marquee signings in the middle, the wide berths could end up being where Wrexham invest. This would certainly allow for variety when it comes to formations, while also - if recent reports are to be believed - adding a Welsh core to the group.
Sorba Thomas has spent the last few years in the Championship after making the step up from non-league, and would be quite the coup. The Welsh international featured regularly for Blackburn last season, but dropped out of the starting XI towards the end of the campaign as Jon Dahl Tomasson's side narrowly missed out on the play-offs.
The winger has been mentioned in connection with Wrexham, though, as has fellow Welshman Wes Burns. Ipswich star Burns missed out on a spot in Wales' World Cup squad, but has caught the eye after eight goals and 14 assists in the Tractor Boys' promotion campaign.
In the middle, despite links with Jonny Williams, Wrexham may end up sticking with the partnership which took them up to League Two. James Jones and Elliot Lee both have experience of the competition, and will feel capable of holding their own against league opponents.
Forwards
After climbing up to League Two, Wrexham could end up moving for the man who top-scored in the competition this season. Andy Cook scored 28 times for Bradford, only for Mark Hughes' side to come up short in the play-offs.
Former Bradford star James Hanson has urged the frontman to stay at Valley Parade. However, having played under Parkinson during his time at the Yorkshire club, he has suggested Wrexham could be an option.
"I don't know why but I could see him going to Wrexham," said Hanson, who played for the Bantams in their run to the 2013 League Cup final. "Knowing Phil and the type of player he likes, it would be a statement signing for them to get League Two’s top goal-scorer along with Paul Mullin.
"To score more than 30 goals in a season is unbelievable. It’s an incredible achievement. I’d imagine Andy will have interest and maybe from League One as well. You probably couldn’t blame him if he took the chance. He’s at that stage of his career where if he gets a three-year deal on double the money you’re not going to argue.
"Hopefully Bradford can tie him down with a new deal. But obviously if they had got promotion, they would have been in a better position."
Wrexham are already well-stocked in attack, with Paul Mullin hitting 38 goals in the National League to send them up and big-money signing Ollie Palmer scoring 17 of his own.
And yet they could be tempted to bolster their ranks if they have another promotion push in their sights.