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CHESTER, Pa. — Wrexham wrapped up their preseason schedule with a 1–0 loss to Sunderland in Philadelphia on Sunday.
The Black Cats controlled the game and earned their lead in the first half when Nordi Mukiele slotted home from a narrow angle, capitalizing on a superb layoff from Brian Brobbey. Wrexham believed they had leveled shortly after, but Nathan Broadhead's effort was disallowed for offside.
Genuine scoring opportunities were scarce after the interval as Phil Parkinson's squad enjoyed another useful runout ahead of the new campaign. Wrexham now shift their focus to competitive fixtures, starting with a Carabao Cup first-round clash against Middlesbrough on Friday, Aug. 7, before kicking off the Championship season away at Cardiff City on Monday, Aug. 17.
Imray Makes His Debut
Wrexham secured their first signing of the summer when Danny Imray arrived from Crystal Palace earlier this week, and he was immediately thrust into the action against Sunderland.
The 23-year-old was recruited to be the club's first-choice right wingback and gave fans a promising taste of what he brings to the table. Imray made a vital defensive intervention early on to deny Romaine Mundle what appeared to be a certain goal, while also offering a reliable outlet going forward and whipping in several threatening crosses into the penalty area.
Wrexham's 3-5-2 formation was frequently hampered by a shortage of natural wingbacks last season, but Imray's addition looks like a meaningful stride toward addressing that problem. If Liberato Cacace can remain fit on the opposite side, the Red Dragons could finally find the width and attacking dynamism that was lacking at times during last season's playoff push.
Okonkwo Back in Goal
In the same week Arthur Okonkwo was linked with a departure, he reclaimed his spot in Wrexham's starting eleven for their final preseason outing. The 24-year-old had been left out of the squad altogether for the loss to Liverpool but was given another chance in Philadelphia.
Wrexham are still searching for a goalkeeper this summer, and until one is secured, there is real uncertainty surrounding who will start the Championship season as the club's number one. Okonkwo was dropped for the final four games of last season and has yet to be handed a new contract despite entering the last year of his existing deal.
Had the Red Dragons considered him their long-term first choice, they would likely have tied him down to improved terms by now and would not be actively looking for another goalkeeper. Instead, he appears to be competing with Danny Ward for a backup role while the hunt for a new starter continues.
Thomason Returns to Midfield
With limited chances remaining to tinker before the season begins, Phil Parkinson moved George Thomason back into his favored central midfield berth. The 25-year-old started just five games in his natural role last season, with the last of those coming in December's defeat against Swansea City.
An injury crisis compelled Thomason to deputize at left wingback in the next match, where he contributed three assists in Wrexham's thrilling 5–3 win over Sheffield United. From that point, he held down the position for the remainder of the campaign, impressing with his energy and reliability.
While Thomason proved a dependable option out wide, it was always clear that wingback was not where he belongs. Ideally, Cacace will occupy that role when fit, with Thomason offering quality backup. His latest showing in midfield served as a timely reminder of where he is most effective.
A Big Winner
Bailey Cadamarteri managed just 46 minutes of Championship football for Wrexham last season yet started four of the club's five preseason fixtures. He has emerged as one of the summer's standout performers and could well find himself in the starting eleven when competitive action resumes.
Despite being a natural striker, the 21-year-old has been deployed as a makeshift attacking midfielder throughout preseason, handing Parkinson an additional option in that area following Lewis O'Brien's shift into a deeper midfield role. It may not be where Cadamarteri envisions his future, but it currently represents his most realistic route to consistent first-team football.
There was a reasonable argument for sending Cadamarteri out on loan this season, but his summer displays suggest he is already capable of making an impact at this level. The fact he still qualifies as an U-21 player and does not take up a registered squad spot only adds weight to that case.
Key Duo Miss Preseason
Ben Sheaf and Josh Windass were among Wrexham's most influential players last season, yet both now look set to miss the start of the new campaign due to injury. Parkinson had hoped the pair would get some minutes during the U.S. tour, but both were absent once again against Sunderland on Sunday.
Having had no preseason action, both players will need to be carefully managed upon their return, meaning it may be a while before either is ready to start. Parkinson intends to use the upcoming Carabao Cup first-round tie against Middlesbrough to help build their fitness — a potentially contentious strategy, but one that could pay dividends for two of his most important players.
Even if both are available next weekend, it would still be unexpected to see either named in the starting lineup against Cardiff City on opening night. Consequently, two key positions in the team could be up for grabs when the Championship season gets underway.