Wrexham have so far enjoyed huge success under their Hollywood co-owners, but have been urged to avoid a mistake Premier League giants Manchester United once made
Wrexham have been urged to stick with their approach of signing solid professionals over superstars who could cause problems in the dressing room. The Red Dragons have enjoyed huge success under the ownership of Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac over the last few years after achieving three consecutive promotions.
Now playing in the Championship, manager Phil Parkinson is said to have adopted a strict "no idiots" rule when it comes to recruitment. However, as Wrexham aim to reach the Premier League, the chance of them being offered the opportunity to bring in big name players who could upset the applecart increases.
Former Manchester United flop Memphis Depay is among those who could soon become available after being asked to leave his luxurious £35,000-a-month suite, paid for by current team Corinthians. His future is currently in doubt due to financial issues at the Brazilian club.
Ex-United first team coach Rene Meulensteen believes the Dutch forward is a good example of the type of player Wrexham should avoid in their bid to reach the top flight. He has instead encouraged the club to follow the lead of Premier League new boys Sunderland, who brought in the solid experience of former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka during the summer and are now reaping the rewards.
The Black Cats are currently fourth in the table after an impressive start to the season, chalking up five wins, three draws and just two defeats. When asked what advice he'd give to Wrexham in their hunt for glory, Meulensteen told compare.bet: "If I was Wrexham, I wouldn't sign Memphis Depay.
"If you go on that road, signing superstars, you need to make sure that they come up with the goods and they perform. Wrexham already have their big superstars on the sideline with the owners.
"What they need to do is constructively build a team that can hold their own within the Championship and potentially in the Premier League. That takes a combination of quality, discipline and energy.
"Not just the big name that steps on the pitch and you hope for the best. Will it be a draw for some respectable players? I couldn't see why not, especially if they get into the Premier League, but they have to be really solid professionals.
"Look at Granit Xhaka going to Sunderland. He'd done it with Arsenal, went to Bayer Leverkusen, won the league and did extremely well before coming back to Sunderland, and he's been a hit."
He added: "That's what Wrexham will need. Xhaka is the kind of experienced professional you need to bring in. Sound pros. Not just somebody that turns up once every three weeks."
Wrexham are currently 14th in the Championship table following their goalless draw at Portsmouth on Wednesday evening. Parkinson's side had a tough start to life in the second tier, which saw the ex-Sunderland boss come under pressure.
But he has stabilised their position in recent weeks after receiving the backing of the club's board. Wrexham managed an impressive 3-2 win over league leaders Coventry last Friday, ending Frank Lampard's team's unbeaten start to the campaign. The North Wales outfit will next face Charlton at home on Saturday ahead of the international break.