Wrexham AFC: Paul Mullin situation could have galvanising effect: View | OneFootball

The striker is stepping up for his club in a different competition

On the whole, it has been a strong start to life in League One for Wrexham this season.

After making it back-to-back promotions thanks to a second-place finish in League Two last season, the Welsh club find themselves back in the third tier for the first time since 2005.

There may, therefore, have been some questions about how the club would cope with a return to that level, following such a quick rise after so long away.

However, they have risen to the task in impressive style, taking 20 points from ten league games so far, to sit second in the current standings.

Despite that, one Wrexham player who has perhaps unexpectedly struggled in the league at the start of the campaign is Paul Mullin.

Talismanic striker yet to fire in League One

Initially, Mullin had missed the opening games of the campaign after undergoing surgery in the summer for an ongoing spinal issue.

The 29-year-old returned to full fitness and many will have expected him to lead the line again for the Red Dragons this season.

Mullin has, of course, always been a consistent scorer for Wrexham since joining the club back in the summer of 2021.

He scored 64 goals in 84 league appearances in two seasons for the club in the National League, before netting 24 in 38 league matches on the way to League Two promotion in the last campaign.

Since returning from injury though, things have not gone Mullin's way in League One, where the likes of Ollie Palmer and Jack Marriott have been preferred to lead the line.

As a result, the Wrexham talisman has started just once in the league this season, while coming off the bench on seven more occasions.

During that time though, the striker is yet to score, although he has missed some chances to do so, which may be something of a concern for the club and player.

However, it could be argued that they can take some encouragement from Mullin's exploits in another competition, which may also be an example for others at the club.

Mullin doing the job for Wrexham in the EFL Trophy

While life in League One has been frustrating for Mullin so far, he has had more joy in the EFL Trophy in the past few weeks.

Phil Parkinson's side currently sit top of their group in that competition with two wins out of two, after beating Salford City 2-1 and Wolves Under 21s 3-0.

In both of those games, Mullin has been able to get on the scoresheet. First, he would open the scoring by curling home an excellent finish from outside the area against Salford.

That was then followed against Wolves Under 21s on Tuesday night when he latched onto a ball over the top before producing a perfect lob over keeper Tom King from just inside the box.

Given his frustrations in the league, the fact he is making that impact in the EFL Trophy is certainly a positive for Wrexham.

With goals still coming from somewhere, Mullin can at least maintain the belief that he has not lost his scoring touch, and he is still remaining sharp and match-fit.

As a result, he ought to be ready and confident enough to do a similar job for his side, if and when he is recalled to league action.

Beyond that, he is also leading the way for other fringe players who are not getting much game time in League One this season.

The fact that Mullin - perhaps the highest profile player in this Wrexham squad - is getting his head down in this situation where most of his game time is coming in the cup, is an example to follow.

Indeed, with the striker still doing what he can to make that impact in front of goal, he is showing the importance of everyone doing their bit for the club, in every match.

Those fringe players may be keen to match that attitude, which should ensure they too are ready to step in for the first team.

Beyond that, the success such an approach is bringing in the cup will maintain the momentum and confidence that is being built around the club in the league right now.

With that in mind, it seems while there may be some disappointment about Mullin's situation in League One, there can be no complaints from Wrexham about what he is doing in the EFL Trophy.