‘Binned Ollie Palmer & Paul Mullin can’t get in the team’ – Wrexham promotion heroes told why recall will be difficult after more big spending from Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney

Strike duo Palmer and Mullin have been prominent figures in the Red Dragons fairytale that has seen the club rise out of the National League and up into League One. They both agreed to leave the EFL ranks in order to join the ambitious project being pieced together by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

There is, however, little room for sentiment in sport and two experienced frontmen are now victims of more big spending from Hollywood co-owners. Neither is seeing much game time at present, with record signing Sam Smith and one-cap England international Jay Rodriguez – who both arrived at SToK Racecourse in January – being asked to lead the line.

Former Wales international striker Iwan Roberts has told BBC Sport of Wrexham’s attacking unit: “They were the two big signings in January, even though Rodriguez came on a free, [he is on] big wages. Sam Smith is an absolute workaholic - doesn't give you a minute's peace.

“But it is not quite working for them at the minute. In the first half [at Huddersfield], they seemed to be miles apart, playing like total strangers. When you play with five at the back, it gives you a chance to play with two up front. They are just too far apart. They should be between 10 and 15 yards from each other.”

Roberts added on seeing fan favourites tumble down the pecking order: “When you think, he has binned Ollie Palmer. I am not saying he is the answer – he's only scored three goals all season. Paul Mullin can't get in the team.

“You have Jack Marriott coming back from his long-term injury. He is still getting up to speed. But I guess as long as they are winning games, it doesn't really matter who is scoring.”

Steven Fletcher is another veteran striker that is being given opportunities to impress, with the ex-Scotland international becoming something of a super sub. It was his goal in a 1-0 win at Huddersfield that has kept Wrexham third in the League One table and only two points back on second-placed Wycombe.