**Paul Mullin Voices Frustration Over Wrexham Omission as He Shifts Focus to Wigan**
Paul Mullin, the celebrated Wrexham striker, has spoken openly about his confusion regarding his exclusion from the first team by manager Phil Parkinson, a decision that ultimately led to his recent loan move to Wigan Athletic. Despite his pivotal role in Wrexham’s meteoric rise through the divisions, Mullin admitted in a recent interview that he is still seeking clarity about why he was sidelined during the second half of last season.
Mullin joined Wrexham in July 2021 and quickly established himself as a fan favourite, netting an astonishing 110 goals in just 172 games. His prolific record and infectious personality brought him admiration not only on the terraces of the Racecourse Ground but also from the club’s Hollywood owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. His presence regularly featured in the acclaimed documentary, “Welcome to Wrexham,” helping to bring wider international recognition to the club.
However, the landscape shifted dramatically for Mullin partway through last season. Following the arrivals of Sam Smith and Jay Rodriguez in the January transfer window, Mullin found playing opportunities limited. He did not feature at all in League One after their signings, prompting speculation and questions about his future.
Discussing his situation candidly with talkSPORT, Mullin reflected on the difficulties he faced in returning from back surgery last summer. He explained that he needed more time to regain form, having only scored three times before his extended absence. “It’s a strange situation but last year was quite difficult for me,” Mullin told the station. “Wrexham has given me some of the best moments in my career, but coming back from injury, you need a bit of time to find your rhythm again. Unfortunately, that chance didn’t come my way.”
Mullin described the emotional toll of being excluded from matchday squads, despite training daily. “People often talk about the dream of being a footballer, but it’s tough when you’re working hard in training all week and then you’re left watching from home at the weekend,” he admitted. The 30-year-old forward made it clear that his desire to play regularly was the driving force behind accepting a move to Wigan for the upcoming season, emphasising that he wants to enjoy his football and contribute on the pitch.
Manager Phil Parkinson addressed the situation in an episode of “Welcome to Wrexham,” stating that squad depth and elevated competition following the club’s rise through the leagues necessitated tough decisions, including leaving out established players. “When we brought two strikers in January, we knew there’d be a surplus,” Parkinson explained, noting Mullin’s dip in goals as a factor. “It’s a tougher division now and making the step up isn’t easy. Both Paul and Ollie Palmer found themselves out of the 18-man squad at times – it’s just part of football at this level.”
While Mullin has previously dismissed suggestions of a personal rift with Parkinson, he has not concealed his frustration at how events unfolded. He stated, “I haven’t been given an explanation for why I was dropped. I still don’t really know.”
As he embarks on a new challenge with Wigan in League One, Mullin insists his attention is firmly set on delivering goals for his new side. “Right now, my focus is on Wigan. You can’t control the future, only your own performance, and I want to keep succeeding in my career. Wrexham was wonderful for me, but I’m ready for this next chapter,” he remarked.
The uncertainty over Mullin’s long-term future at Wrexham has left fans and pundits pondering whether the talismanic forward will return to the Racecourse Ground once his loan spell concludes. For now, though, Mullin is determined to make his mark at Wigan, pushing memories of Wrexham to the back of his mind as he embarks on a new mission.
This situation highlights the challenges faced by players and managers amid the relentless competition of professional football, where decisions can sometimes lack transparency and communication. For Mullin, the priority is clear – to rediscover the joy of playing week in, week out, and to help his new club achieve their ambitions.