‘Explain every decision’ – Paul Mullin given reasons for surprise Wrexham benching as Phil Parkinson names Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney favourites among his substitutes

Despite hitting 79 goals across his first two seasons for the Red Dragons – helping them to a record-breaking National League title triumph in 2022-23 – star striker Mullin has had to make peace with filling a support role of late.

He has started just one of Wrexham’s last four fixtures in League Two and has failed to hit the target since January 13 – with a barren run in the final third now extended to eight games. Others are being given an opportunity to lead the line, despite Mullin being a talismanic presence in North Wales.

Parkinson can appreciate that everyone wants answers as to why they are not playing, and has said of the big selection calls that he is not afraid to make: “It is important when they are not playing that they respond right. But the lads are good. I always explain every decision to the players and tell them why they are not selected and what decisions we have made but we have had a lot of midweek games and we will look to freshen the team up again on Tuesday.”

Wrexham will be back in midweek action when taking in a trip to struggling Forest Green Rovers. The Red Dragons have won just two of their last eight games in all competitions, with a spark required from somewhere if co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are to have another promotion party to host in 2024.