Phil Parkinson Breaks Silence on Wrexham's Frustratingly Slow Summer Transfer Activity

Phil Parkinson Breaks Silence on Wrexham's Frustratingly Slow Summer Transfer Activity

Phil Parkinson acknowledges that Wrexham still have plenty of work ahead in the summer transfer window as the club continues building toward a Premier League promotion challenge.

The Red Dragons have brought in two players so far this summer, securing wing-back Danny Imray from Crystal Palace and midfielder Ben Whiteman from Preston North End.

These signings have bolstered the squad with proven Championship-level talent, yet Wrexham's estimated $10 million spending remains considerably lower than many of their divisional competitors. Friday's Carabao Cup opponents Middlesbrough have already invested around $20 million this summer and could spend an additional $28 million on goalkeeper Radek Vitek and defender Ashley Phillips.

Parkinson says the club is working "tirelessly" to add reinforcements before the transfer window shuts at 11 p.m. BST (6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT) on Tuesday, Sept. 1, with Wrexham still in the market for a goalkeeper, center back and striker.

Parkinson Issues Wrexham Transfer Update

Danny Imray

"Yeah, I feel we're not where we need to be yet, and we know that," Parkinson said during his prematch press conference ahead of Friday's visit to Middlesbrough. "We're working, as always, to ensure the squad is as strong as it needs to be for what is going to be an incredibly competitive division.

"We're under no illusions about that. We've got to make this squad as strong as possible, and we're working tirelessly to bring those additional players in and give everyone a lift."

When asked to evaluate Wrexham's transfer activity so far this summer, Parkinson said: "Very pleased. They're two really good players. Danny came out on tour with us, which was great for him.

"Ben only joined us this week. It's been a bit of a whirlwind week for him since he hasn't had much chance to get acquainted with the lads, but he trained fully today. He's a highly experienced Championship player with excellent leadership qualities, and I'm really looking forward to working with him."

Name

Age

Position

Previous club

Transfer fee

Danny Imray

23

Wingback

Crystal Palace

$6.65 million

Ben Whiteman

30

Midfielder

Preston North End

$3.3 million

What Is Happening With George Dobson?

George Dobson during the Sky Bet Championship match between Wrexham AFC and Portsmouth at Racecourse Ground.

Parkinson was also quizzed about the situation surrounding midfielder George Dobson amid ongoing speculation about his future. Sports Illustrated previously reported that the 28-year-old has "no intention" of departing the Racecourse Ground this summer, while the Wrexham boss dismissed claims that Sheffield Wednesday had already initiated talks over a potential transfer.

"There have been rumors about Dobbo, but we haven't received any offer for him whatsoever," Parkinson said. "Sometimes someone says something on Twitter and it snowballs into something far bigger than it actually is. As things stand, there's been no official offer for Dobbo.

"Dobbo's with us. He had a couple of minor setbacks during preseason, nothing serious. He needs some minutes over the next few days, which he will get. We play tomorrow night and then again on Monday against Wigan. This weekend is really important for us and Dobbo. By the time Monday night against Cardiff comes around, he needs more minutes under his belt."

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