Welcome to Wrexham [FM23]

Welcome to Wrexham

With Football Manager 23 out, it's time to embark on a new journey. Many of you may have seen the Welcome to Wrexham docu-series which came out recently and this has inspired me to once again take on the challenge of managing Wrexham, hopefully to domestic and European glory. I can't say that I'll be as 'passionate' as current boss Phil Parkinson but I'll certainly be looking to achieve success quickly.



Stadium: The Racecourse Ground
Capacity: 15,500 (10,500 seated)
Transfer Budget: £250,000
Wage Budget: £77,955 p/w
Social Media Followers: 41,768



The facilities at the club are as you'd expect for a club at this level, however, the youth recruitment side of things shows great promise. We have a healthy bank balance and two owners who love the club. Surely the only way is up?



In terms of honours, it's been a while since the club got its hands on some silverware. The closest they've been since the FA Trophy win of 2013 is finishing runner-up in the same competition in 2015 and at the end of last season.



Wrexham have been in the National League for a long time having been relegated from the football league all the way back in 2008. They have flirted with promotion back to the EFL a couple of times but have never quite been able to manage it.



A quick look at the club vision shows that Rob and Ryan are wanting us to win the league and gain promotion back to the EFL this season. As favourites for the league, I'd say this is a minimum requirement for my first season in charge. It'll be interesting to see who we can attract to the club, given that our Hollywood owners are looking for us to sign high-reputation players.



Our supporters just want us to win the league and play entertaining football. Absolutely no pressure at all!



Let the journey begin!

Pre-Season 2022/23

The Squad



So going into the pre-season period, this is the squad we had. It definitely needed some work, especially at the back.

Transfers



We had a couple of players depart the club, most players I think would not have made the grade here at Wrexham. The only exception is James Jones who probably would have played regularly but I couldn't turn down that kind of money for him.



Here are the signings we made in pre-season. I knew going into the job that I wanted to strengthen the defence and I'm pleased with the business we've been able to do. We brought in two quality full-backs with Cole DaSilva being able to cover both sides, meaning we now have four superb full-backs at the club. I feel like Lee Brown's football league experience will be vital. Kyron Gordon and Paul Downing also help shore up the centre of the defence and improve on what we already had. I'm a little disappointed that I couldn't ship out Harry Lennon though. Adam Wharton comes in to strengthen the midfield, with us beating EFL clubs to his signature and George McEachran will be a solid back-up option. J'Neil Bennett and Callum Harriott will provide us with a lot more attacking threat from the wings whilst Andy Cook should provide competition for Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer up top.

Finances



That leaves our finances looking like this. Very healthy if I do say so myself. We've managed to really improve the squad whilst sticking within our budgets.



A little bonus midway through pre-season was Rob and Ryan agreeing to send me on a coaching course to improve my coaching skills further.

Results



A perfect pre-season for us. I couldn't be happier to see us win all our friendlies. I'm thrilled with the win over Tranmere, a pretty decent League Two outfit. Morale is high and the lads are raring to go for the new season.

I know there are supposed to be imgr photos on this, but I've tried reading it through Google Chrome and on my phone, and they're not loading at all. Not sure if anyone else is having the issue, but might be worth checking. If it's not working, FMShots is a great option.

On the story itself, Cole Dasilva was an excellent option at full/wing back in past games for me, be interesting to see how far he makes it here. Championship quality.

How did you get DaSilva and McEachran to sign? I tried to get them but got beaten to them by Charlton and Plymouth respectively.

2022-11-10 08:17#290083 Harleygator : I know there are supposed to be imgr photos on this, but I've tried reading it through Google Chrome and on my phone, and they're not loading at all. Not sure if anyone else is having the issue, but might be worth checking. If it's not working, FMShots is a great option.

On the story itself, Cole Dasilva was an excellent option at full/wing back in past games for me, be interesting to see how far he makes it here. Championship quality.

Yes, they are imgur. First I've heard of imgur having issues. Is this a common thing?

2022-11-10 10:35#290084 Fancypants Cameron : How did you get DaSilva and McEachran to sign? I tried to get them but got beaten to them by Charlton and Plymouth respectively.

Other clubs were after them but I got lucky and they opted for us. It was the same with Bennett. Maybe I offered more in my save?

2022/23 Squad

01 - Rob Lainton
02 - Cole Dasilva
03 - Callum McFadzean
04 - Kyron Gordon (on loan from Sheff Utd)
05 - Aaron Hayden
06 - Jordan Tunnicliffe
07 - Jordan Davies
08 - Luke Young
09 - Ollie Palmer
10 - Paul Mullin
11 - J'Neil Bennett
12 - Paul Downing
13 - George McEachran
14 - Anthony Forde
15 - Lee Brown
16 - Callum Harriott
17 - Bryce Hosannah
18 - Sam Dalby
19 - Jacob Mendy
20 - Adam Wharton (on loan from Blackburn)
21 - Mark Howard
22 - Thomas O'Connor
24 - Andy Cook
26 - Harry Lennon
31 - Rory Watson
32 - Liam McAlinden
38 - Elliot Lee

August 2022

News + Results

Sat, 6/8/2022
National League | Stadium: The Racecourse Ground | Att: 9542
Wrexham 2 - 1 Eastleigh
Paul Mullin (72, pen 83)
Match Information

It would have been an absolute joke if we didn't win this one. We conceded early to a penalty then dominated the game. It was looking like it wasn't to be our day but Paul Mullin popped up twice to start my reign as boss with a deserved win.

Sat, 13/8/2022
National League | Stadium: Huish Park | Att: 2990
Yeovil Town 3 - 6 Wrexham
Ollie Palmer (2, 53), Callum Harriott (10), Paul Mullin (13, 45+3, 76)
Match Information

An absolutely superb performance! Paul Mullin is way too good for this league, I'm just putting it out there.

Tue, 16/8/2022
National League | Stadium: The Technique Stadium | Att: 6494
Chesterfield 0 - 2 Wrexham
Paul Mullin (14, pen 66)
Match Information

Another two Paul Mullin goals and another three points. What a start to the season for him.

Sat, 20/8/2022
National League | Stadium: The Racecourse Ground | Att: 8555
Wrexham 5 - 1 Maidstone United
Paul Mullin (7, 9), Elliot Lee (32, 66), Andy Cook (65)
Match Information

Dominant yet again, such a pleasure to watch. Great to see Andy Cook bag his first Wrexham goal as well.

Sat, 27/8/2022
National League | Stadium: Kingfield Stadium | Att: 3236
Woking 1 - 4 Wrexham
Callum Harriott (7), Ollie Palmer (19), Adam Wharton (61), Andy Cook (87)
Match Information

What am I watching? Adam Wharton scored a 25-yard screamer and the team combined like Brazil to give Andy Cook another goal. Absolutely stunning.

Mon, 29/8/2022
National League | Stadium: The Racecourse Ground | Att: 7830
Wrexham 4 - 1 Gateshead
Jordan Tunnicliffe (10), Paul Mullin (pen 14), Thomas O'Connor (34), J'Neil Bennett (66)
Match Information

We rotated the side a little with us having played 2 days previous but it made no difference as we strolled to a 4-1 win. The only disappointment was conceding a goal to Dan Jarvis who was a Wrexham player last season.

Manager Thoughts

We couldn't really have had a better month to be honest. A 100% record and we are pretty much injury free. A really positive start and judging on the way we're playing, there's no reason why we can't keep it going.

Awards

John Warrington wins National League Manager of the Month
Paul Mullin wins National League Player of the Month

Team Stats



Player Stats



Medical Centre



League Table



Next Month's Fixtures

Glad to see you took my advice on FMShots. The pictures look wonderful, ha!

2022-11-11 08:23#290112 Harleygator : Glad to see you took my advice on FMShots. The pictures look wonderful, ha!

Appreciate the help

September 2022

News + Results

Sat, 3/9/2022
National League | Stadium: Meadowbank | Att: 1709
Dorking 1 - 5 Wrexham
Elliot Lee (8), Ollie Palmer (19), J'Neil Bennett (26), Paul Mullin (pen 28), Andy Cook (80)
Match Information

If I thought Adam Wharton's goal was good, J'Neil Bennett has blown it out of the water with a thunderbolt from 30 yards! We were just too good for Dorking, despite conceding to a contentious penalty.

Sat, 10/9/2022
National League | Stadium: The Racecourse Ground | Att: 8237
Wrexham 1 - 0 Maidenhead United
Andy Cook (63)
Match Information

Poor from us this one despite the result. Our lads up top had a bit of an off day but luckily we managed to scrape a result.

Tue, 13/9/2022
National League | Stadium: The Racecourse Ground | Att: 7769
Wrexham 4 - 1 Dag & Red
J'Neil Bennett (12), Paul Mullin (pen 35, pen 90), George McEachran (44)
Match Information

Another solid result but the main thing was seeing Rob Lainton make his long-awaited return between the sticks. It's great to have him back.

Sat, 17/9/2022
National League| Stadium: Roots Hall | Att: 5389
Southend 1 - 1 Wrexham
Paul Mullin (39)
Match Information

Our first dropped points of the season. A little bit disappointed with that but you can't win them all I guess.

Mon, 19/9/2022



Callum has been excellent so far this season so I had no hesitation in extending his contract when he requested it.

Sat, 24/9/2022
National League| Stadium: The Racecourse Ground | Att: 8244
Wrexham 3 - 1 Torquay United
Ollie Palmer (19), Paul Mullin (pen 57, 74)
Match Information

Another solid result, not much more to say really.

Manager Thoughts

Still flying high at the top of the table and starting to build a little bit of a gap. I'm really pleased with the way we're playing and I'm particularly pleased with how we've ground out some results when not at our best.

Awards

John Warrington wins National League Mnaager of the Month

Team Stats



Player Stats



Medical Centre



League Table



Next Month's Fixtures

October 2022

News + Results

Sat, 1/10/2022
National League | Stadium: Boundary Park | Att: 4445
Oldham Athletic 3 - 4 Wrexham
Anthony Forde (17), Ollie Palmer (61, pen 68, 90+1)
Match Information

OLLIE PALMER! WHAT A SUPER SUB. He was immense after coming on in the 52nd minute, scoring a hat-trick to secure us a 4-3 win in an absolute thriller. GET IN.

Tue, 4/10/2022
National League | Stadium: Meadow Lane | Att: 6595
Notts County 2 - 2 Wrexham
Ollie Palmer (31), Paul Mullin (35)
Match Information

A draw away at Notts County is not the worst result in the world given that they are fellow title contenders. I'll take that.

Sat, 8/10/2022
National League | Stadium: The Racecourse Ground | Att: 8233
Wrexham 5 - 1 Barnet
George McEachran (16), Kyron Gordon (26), Paul Mullin (41, 81), Callum Harriott (58)
Match Information

A really good win, the only negative was Paul Mullin missing a penalty to complete his hat-trick.

Sat, 15/10/2022
FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round | Stadium: Latimer Park | Att: 2348
Kettering Town 0 - 3 Wrexham
Andy Cook (12, 51), Thomas O'Connor (90+4)
Match Information

We rotated the side massively for our trip to Kettering in the FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round. The back-up players got the job done, winning by three goals to nil.

Mon, 17/10/2022
Wrexham draw Chelmsford City at home in the FA Cup 1st Round.

Sat, 22/10/2022
Goalkeeper Kieran Westwood signs on a free transfer until the end of the season.

Sat, 22/10/2022
National League | Stadium: Meadow Park | Att: 1279
Boreham Wood 0 - 1 Wrexham
Ollie Palmer (65)
Match Information

A good win away from home and a clean sheet for Kieran Westwood on debut. Take that all day long.

Tue, 25/10/2022
National League | Stadium: The Racecourse Ground | Att: 7607
Wrexham 5 - 2 Halifax Town
Ollie Palmer (16), Thomas O'Connor (68), Andy Cook (77, 86), Paul Mullin (82)
Match Information

We were nowhere near our best against Halifax but somehow found a way to win. I'll take it.

Sat, 29/10/2022
National League | Stadium: The Racecourse Ground | Att: 8364
Wrexham 5 - 0 Altrincham
Paul Mullin (pen 11), Ollie Palmer (40, 77), Anthony Forde (49), J'Neil Bennett (86)
Match Information

A much better performance and a great result. Dominant.

Manager Thoughts

I'm going to be very cocky here and say that we are just too good for this league. The sooner we get out of it the better in my eyes.

Awards

N/A

Team Stats



Player Stats



Medical Centre



League Table



Next Month's Fixtures

Natural born entertainers! If I was living in Wrexham, or nearby, I'd be buying a season ticket in order to watch this side play. You're 100% correct when you say you're too good for the league, and with there (honestly) not being that big a difference between the National League and League Two, you could be well on course for back-to-back promotions

Can you share your tactic? Im managing wrexham too but struggling with 532 WB formation.

November 2022

News + Results

Sat, 5/11/2022
FA Cup First Round | Stadium: The Racecourse Ground | Att: 7853
Wrexham 4 - 0 Chelmsford City
Elliot Lee (39), Luke Young (45), Liam McAlinden (49), Andy Cook (90+1)
Match Information

The goal was to go through without having to play any first-team players and things went perfectly. An easy win and a spot in Round Two.

Mon, 7/11/22
Wrexham to travel to Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup 2nd Round. OUCH! It's not going to be an easy task to reach the 3rd round.

Tue, 8/11/2022
National League | Stadium: Glanford Park | Att: 2443
Scunthorpe 1 - 3 Wrexham
Ollie Palmer (14, 49), Paul Mullin (pen 36)
Match Information

A great win away from home. Ollie Palmer was unstoppable and was very unlucky not to get a hat-trick.

Sat, 12/11/2022
National League | Stadium: Grosvenor Vale | Att: 1734
Wealdstone 0 - 4 Wrexham
Ollie Palmer (26, 55), Paul Mullin (pen 40), Andy Cook (67)
Match Information

So one-sided I almost feel sorry for Wealdstone….almost.

Sat, 19/11/2022
National League | Stadium: The Racecourse Ground | Att: 8302
Wrexham 2 - 0 Aldershot Town
Ollie Palmer (8), Thomas O'Connor (12)
Match Information

A routine win. Nothing special to mention, just a professional performance to bag all three points.

Tue, 22/11/2022
National League | Stadium: The Racecourse Ground | Att: 7584
Wrexham 3 - 0 Bromley
Ollie Palmer (pen 26, 45+4), Paul Mullin (59)
Match Information

Another good win but disappointed to lose Andy Cook for a month through injury.

Sun, 27/11/2022
FA Cup Second Round | Stadium: The Memorial Stadium | Att: 5673
Bristol Rovers 3 - 3 Wrexham
Callum Harriott (23), Ollie Palmer (32, pen 90+4)
Match Information

WHAT AN EFFORT. A late Ollie Palmer penalty means we take League One Bristol Rovers back to the Racecourse. Superb.

Mon, 28/11/22
Wrexham to travel to Solihull Moors in the FA Trophy 3rd Round.
Wrexham or Bristol Rovers to travel to Barnsley in the FA Cup 3rd Round.

Manager Thoughts

Really happy with the way it's going. To take Bristol to a replay was a superb effort from the lads and we continue to dominant in the league. Ollie Palmer has been a man possessed in the last month.

Awards

John Warrington wins National League Manager of the Month
Ollie Palmer wins National League Player of the Month

Team Stats



Player Stats



Medical Centre



League Table



Next Month's Fixtures

December 2022

News + Results

Sat, 3/12/2022
National League | Stadium: York Community Stadium | Att: 3719
York City 2 - 4 Wrexham
Paul Mullin (24, 45+2, 59), Ollie Palmer (79)
Match Information

We weren't at our best but we managed to grab the win.

Wed, 7/12/2022
FA Cup Second Round Replay | Stadium: The Racecourse Ground | Att: 10500
Wrexham 2 - 1 Bristol Rovers
Callum Harriott (44), Ollie Palmer (65)
Match Information

WHAT A BLOODY RESULT! We're into round 3 after a stunning 2-1 win over Bristol Rovers. GET IN THERE!

Sat, 10/12/2022
National League | Stadium: Silverlake Stadium | Att: 3248
Eastleigh 2 - 2 Wrexham
Callum Harriott (20), Paul Mullin (47)
Match Information

The sending off of Lee Brown in the first-half made things very difficult for us at Eastleigh and it resulted in us dropping points. Disappointing but at least we didn't get beat.

Tue, 13/12/2022
National League | Stadium: The Racecourse Ground | Att: 10225
Wrexham 2 - 1 Chesterfield
Anthony Forde (2), J'Neil Bennett (51)
Match Information

We really should have won this game by a lot more but a win is a win I guess.

Sat, 17/12/2022
FA Trophy Third Round | Stadium: Damson Park | Att: 1976
Solihull Moors 1 - 5 Wrexham
Paul Mullin (13, 22, 85, 90+1), Ollie Palmer (16)
Match Information

Really happy with this result. Going away to Solihull wasn't an easy tie but we made it look easy. Paul Mullin was on fire!

Mon, 19/12/2022
Wrexham to travel to Dulwich Hamlet in the FA Trophy 4th Round.

Mon, 26/12/2022
National League | Stadium: The Racecourse Ground | Att: 7786
Wrexham 2 - 0 Solihull Moors
Paul Mullin (21), Ollie Palmer (72)
Match Information

Another game against Solihull and another win. This time in the league.

Fri, 30/12/22



Couldn't be happier to sign a new contract. I'm loving it here at Wrexham.

Manager Thoughts

What a first half of the season it has been. If we don't go back up into the football league at the end of this season then something has gone drastically wrong. We have been dominant and are miles ahead. Add to that a 3rd round tie in the FA Cup and I'd say things are looking quite rosy.

Awards

N/A

Team Stats



Player Stats



Medical Centre



League Table



Next Month's Fixtures