'We need to sit down and resolve that' - Phil Parkinson warns Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney they must move fast as NINE Wrexham stars face free agency

After securing a second straight promotion last weekend, manager Parkinson has turned his attention to the futures of his soon-to-be out of contract players. They include goalkeepers Mark Howard, Rob Lainton, and Liam Hall, defenders Callum McFadzean, Aaron Hayden, Jordan Tunnicliffe, and Ben Tozer, and midfielders James McClean and Luke Young. Stopper Arthur Okonkwo, who has been on a season-long loan from Arsenal, is out of contract at his parent club, with the Red Dragons reportedly considering recruiting him permanently.

He said, via BBC Sport: "We've got a lot of players out of contract, so we need to sit down and resolve that. Our first job is treating the out-of-contract players respectfully. Last year we didn't have many out of contract, but this year is different. Those talks are important and it is important that we get them done sooner rather than later."

Parkinson added: "I have been very much focused on the team and getting the job done, but naturally conversations are always going on about budgets, whatever division we were going to end up in and possible players. We are ahead of schedule on those discussions without a doubt. The planning for recruitment can start right away. So it is a really exciting summer that lies ahead of us. The massive challenge for us is can we build this squad strongly to challenge in League One, and I am really looking forward to taking on that challenge throughout the summer months."

After securing their passage into League One, Wrexham will face their toughest test yet and if they want to continue their run of promotions, co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney will need to decide which players to sign, which are released, and how much they will back Parkinson financially. The Hollywood actors want to see the Welsh outfit in the Premier League one day but that will take a lot of investment from the popular duo.

Wrexham, who sit third in League Two behind Mansfield Town and Stockport County, are away to play-off chasing Crewe Alexandra on Saturday before rounding off their season at home to top of the table Stockport on April 27. The pressure, though, is very much off.