Wrexham have enjoyed a remarkable rise up the English football pyramid in recent years.
The Red Dragons are back in League One for the first time since 2005 following back-to-back promotions from the National League and League Two.
Phil Parkinson’s side will have their sights set on another promotion, with the club not resting on their laurels in the third division.
They will face stiff competition for promotion from League One, so could use the help of the club’s academy to help give them an edge.
Wrexham have helped produce talents like Nathan Broadhead and Craig Morgan in the past, and supporters will also be hoping for the next bright talent to emerge soon.
Wrexham academy star tipped for big things
When asked which academy star will come through the first team next, FLW’s Wrexham fan pundit Liam Grice suggested Harry Ashfield.
He praised the youngster’s performances in the EFL Trophy, particularly against Salford City, and believes that he has the hunger and desire to make it at senior level with the Welsh outfit.
“There’s one player who has been playing a lot in cup games in the Bristol Street Motors this season, and his name’s Harry Ashfield,” Grice told Football League World.
“He’s come through the academy since a young age, born in Wrexham, raised here, so he knows what it means to play for the club.
“I was fortunate to watch him against Salford in person in the Bristol Street Motors trophy game, and when he came on he just looked so full of desire and a willingness to run after the ball, and almost got his goal, which is a great sign.
“I’m sure Phil Parkinson will love that tenacity that he’s shown, and his willingness to play for the badge.
“I’ve no doubt that he can go on and improve, and become a key player for this club.”
Wrexham’s start to the League One season
| League One standings 2024-25 (As of October 14th) | ||||
| Team | P | GD | Pts | |
| 1 | Birmingham City | 9 | +8 | 22 |
| 2 | Wrexham | 10 | +10 | 20 |
| 3 | Mansfield Town | 9 | +6 | 20 |
| 4 | Lincoln City | 9 | +7 | 18 |
| 5 | Wycombe Wanderers | 9 | +4 | 17 |
| 6 | Stockport County | 9 | +6 | 16 |
Wrexham have made a promising start to life in League One, with the team sitting second in the table after 10 games.
The gap to first place Birmingham City is just two points, although the Blues have a game in hand on their promotion rivals.
Wrexham have played one more game than each of the other teams inside the top six at this stage of the campaign, with Parkinson’s side on 20 points after winning six, drawing two and losing two.
Up next for the Welsh outfit is a trip to face Rotherham United on 19 October in a 3pm kick-off.
Ashfield will be one to keep an eye on at Wrexham
Ashfield is still only 18 and is surely moving closer and closer to a first team appearance in the league.
He has shown promise at underage level, and in the EFL Trophy, but hasn’t quite earned his way into Parkinson’s regular first team plans.
Given his close connection to the club, he is someone that could become a really important part of the Wrexham project in the future, if he can continue improving.
Their rise to the third tier has earned the team a lot of attention, so having someone come through the academy to help their Championship promotion ambition would be a logical next step of their growth, and would be an exciting moment for the supporters.