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Phil Parkinson says he would have "loved" to bring in a high-quality striker during the summer window but acknowledges there was little value to be found in the transfer market.
The Red Dragons are facing a shortage of attacking options after striker Sam Smith was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a cruciate ligament injury. Smith is set to have knee surgery next Wednesday, leaving Kieffer Moore and young prospect Bailey Cadamarteri as the only fit recognized strikers at the club.
Wrexham are also missing last season's leading scorer Josh Windass, who has encountered a minor setback in his recovery from an ankle injury, while fellow attackers Nathan Broadhead and Callum O'Hare remain on the sidelines as well.
There was always a possibility that Wrexham could find themselves thin on attacking resources this season, a concern that has been worsened by the ongoing injury problems. Nevertheless, Parkinson concedes it was always going to be a challenge to identify a striker who could provide genuine value and strengthen his first-team options.
Why Wrexham Didn't Sign a Striker in the Summer
Wrexham invested $48 million across seven signings during the summer but opted not to recruit a striker, focusing instead on bolstering creativity within the squad. Former CEO Michael Williamson stated the club was 'comfortable' with their attacking options ahead of the summer transfer deadline.
Parkinson has disclosed that, while he would have welcomed another attacking reinforcement, the financial commitment required to land a player of sufficient quality made completing a deal problematic.
"I think with strikers, every manager and every club will always try to get an extra one," he told Sports Illustrated. "But the thing is, strikers are hard to buy; they are very expensive, and you've got to make sure you're bringing one in who is better, or at least as good as what you've got, or you've got to stick with what you've got. We'd love to have brought in another front player, but sometimes that can prove difficult. It is never for a want of trying at this club."
Despite having just one fit recognized senior striker available during the midweek victory over Middlesbrough, Wrexham's goals were provided by midfielders George Thomason and Ollie Rathbone. Meanwhile, Boro struggled to create an attacking threat without their injured top scorer Will Lankshear, who has already netted 15 goals this campaign.
Every manager desires more goals spread across their squad, but Parkinson believes Wrexham's strength comes from having multiple players capable of contributing. The Red Dragons have already seen nine different goalscorers find the net this season.
"Everyone has got to chip in," he says. "Center-backs: Joe Worrall has got a goal, Max (Cleworth) is a threat, (Callum) Doyley is a threat, Dom (Hyam). We have got threats in the box. Throughout the course of a season, players have got to chip in if you're going to be successful. We have had that ever since I have been here, and we need it now with Sam out and the lads we have got out at the top of the pitch.
"I have said it many times, players have got to step up. Tommo and Ollie Rathbone did that."