‘Top end of transfers’ remain ‘out of reach’ for Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney – but Hollywood superstars see no need for Wrexham to match Birmingham’s £20m spend

In comparison to Birmingham, who broke records with a £20 million ($26m) transfer spend this summer, including the £10 million signing of Fulham striker Jay Stansfield, Wrexham chose a more modest path. Their most expensive acquisition was Mo Faal from West Brom for a reported £500,000, which is a club-record fee for the Red Dragons.

Parkinson, who recently won the League One Manager of the Month award for August, explained that the club had recognised the financial limitations they faced as they navigated the summer transfer window. Hence the club is focusing on a more sustainable approach, avoiding the high transfer fees that some of their rivals have been able to afford.

"The top end of transfers in this division has been out of our reach," Parkinson stated.

“As we went into the summer transfer window we realised there were some astronomical fees being asked for players and not what we wanted to spend and what we felt was right for the club at this particular stage.

“But we’ve looked at that and gone down a different route and signed some younger players who are going to grow with the club in the next few years. We’ve brought in Mo, Seb [Revan], Arthur [Okonkwo], Lewis [Brunt] and Josh [Adam] has joined us - good young players who are going to improve with the club. Of course, there are teams like Birmingham and other teams who have had that spending power. That’s great for them, but I’m pleased with the squad we’ve put together. I think there’s good competition in the group, but more importantly there’s a strong mentality and a togetherness.”

As Wrexham prepare to face Birmingham City on Monday evening, Parkinson is confident that his team can continue their impressive form in front of a sell-out crowd of 31,000 at St Andrew's.

“These are the kind of games we were really looking forward to and anticipated when we progressed first of all into League Two and now into League One," he said.

“I think the Birmingham away fixture was one that everybody was looking forward to and it’s a great game to be involved in. They’re a good side, but so are we. We’ve both had good starts and it’s going to be great. I want the lads to go and really enjoy every single minute of it and appreciate where we’ve come from. We’ve come a long way in a short space of time, but equally, we’re going there to give a good account of ourselves.”

Despite their financial limitations, Wrexham have started the season on a positive note, sitting at the top of the League One table before the weekend’s fixtures. Parkinson’s side remain unbeaten through five games, with their only dropped points coming in a goalless draw against Bolton Wanderers. And if they can emerge triumphant in the Hollywood derby against the Blues, it will be an early Christmas for the Red Dragons faithful.