Wrexham’s decision to allow striker Paul Mullin to join Wigan Athletic on loan inevitably triggered plenty of debate on social media.
Mullin played a key role in Wrexham’s rise from the National League to League One, to justifiably earn legendary status with the club.
However, he was less effective last season and ultimately fell out of favour under manager Phil Parkinson.
Mullin’s last appearance was against Stevenage at the end of January, but his absence did not stop Wrexham winning promotion to the Championship.
While Parkinson’s decision to axe Mullin may seem harsh given his role in the club’s success, it is impossible to argue that it wasn’t warranted.
Although statistics rarely paint the whole picture in football, Mullins’ numbers highlight why Parkinson moved on from him.
He has bagged 64 goals in 84 appearances in the National League and another 93 in 274 outings in League Two.
However, a tally of six goals in 46 League One games suggests that level is beyond him.
The striker’s anonymous performance in an FA Cup tie against Blackburn Rovers in January 2024 highlighted why Parkinson eventually lost faith in Mullin.
Rovers are a reasonable Championship team, but Mullin looked completely out of his depth against them.
Ultimately, there is no shame in Mullin being sent out on loan by Wrexham. He has been a key player in their rise up the ranks and will forever be loved by their fans.
His move to Wigan gives him the chance to prove he can cut it in League One, although there is a suspicion that they are not the right club for him.
Blackpool or Bolton Wanderers would have been more attractive landing spots in the third tier if staying close to home was a priority.
A move to League Two promotion hopefuls Chesterfield would perhaps have been Mullin’s most sensible move, given he is more suited to that level.
While he will be eager to prove his worth with Wigan, the striker may still have another chapter to write in his Wrexham story.
Mullin’s switch to the Brick Community Stadium is a temporary one, and it would be no surprise to see him return to Wrexham next summer, albeit in a coaching capacity.
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