Wrexham AFC Face Backlash Over Paul Mullin Loan Decision
Wrexham AFC’s recent decision to let star striker Paul Mullin leave for Wigan Athletic on loan has prompted a wave of debate, with critics warning the club may come to regret the move. The transfer, which has seen Mullin join the League One side for the forthcoming season, marks a turning point for the forward who formerly spearheaded Wrexham’s rise through English football’s lower tiers.
Throughout his time at the Racecourse Ground, Mullin established himself as a fan favourite and was lauded by club co-owner Ryan Reynolds, who often expressed a particular fondness for the player. Scoring a remarkable 110 goals in 172 matches, the 30-year-old Liverpudlian became integral to Wrexham’s ascent from the National League into the Championship, earning widespread recognition among supporters and the wider football community.
However, Mullin’s fortunes changed in the latter stages of the most recent season. After undergoing back surgery in the summer and netting only three goals early in the campaign, he found opportunities limited under manager Phil Parkinson. Instead, Parkinson opted to bolster the attack with new strikers Sam Smith and Jay Rodriguez, both of whom played vital roles as Wrexham clinched promotion to the second tier in April.
Despite these setbacks, former Wrexham manager Dean Saunders voiced his firm disagreement with the club’s choice to loan Mullin out. Speaking on talkSPORT prior to the loan confirmation, Saunders insisted, “I wouldn’t let him go and I wouldn’t go if I was him.” He argued that Mullin still possesses a striker’s essential instinct and predicted a return to form, stating, “You never lose your eye for a goal. As strikers, you might lose that cutting edge temporarily, but it always returns—Mullin will score goals in the Championship.”
A star on and off the pitch, Mullin rose to prominence beyond football through the Disney+ series ‘Welcome to Wrexham.’ His appearances in the documentary, along with a cameo in the 2024 ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ film, cemented his status as one of the club’s most recognisable figures. Yet, the increase in fame proved to be a double-edged sword, with Mullin recently admitting the accompanying attention could sometimes be overwhelming.
Upon his official introduction at Wigan, Mullin expressed a sense of disappointment over his abrupt exit from North Wales. Speaking to the Latics’ media team, he reflected, “It was sad to leave there with how it ended… just the way it’s gone has been quite disappointing for me. But one door closes and another opens. I’m ready for a new chapter and so excited to play every week for Wigan.”
Mullin also highlighted the unique pressures that have characterised his journey with Wrexham. “When we were playing in the National League, with all the focus after the documentary and because Ryan and Rob bought the club, I became far more recognisable than many players who are better footballers than me. That was unusual to get used to, but I’ve tried to just laugh it off and appreciate what a privilege it is when anyone stops me for a photo or a chat.”
While the forward still has two years left on his contract with Wrexham, his future at the club remains uncertain. Many fans continue to hope the door remains open for Mullin’s return, while others argue that the decision to let him go could come back to haunt the club if he rekindles his scoring prowess with Wigan.
Wrexham AFC’s rapid transformation under the stewardship of Reynolds and co-owner Rob McElhenney has brought global attention and successive promotions. Nevertheless, the recent loan of a modern club legend leaves questions about balancing squad evolution with respect for players who contributed significantly to recent triumphs.
As the new season approaches, both Wrexham and Paul Mullin face fresh chapters—one seeking to solidify its Championship status, and the other eager for renewed opportunity at Wigan. Time will tell whether the decision benefits both parties or becomes a point of regret in the Red Dragons’ hard-fought journey up the football pyramid.