Little-known rule will impact how many players Wrexham can sign in League One this summer

Wrexham are likely to be limited in how many players they can sign this summer due to a little-known rule.

The Red Dragons earned their second consecutive promotion last month, and eventually finished in second place behind League Two winners Stockport.

Co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are already preparing for Wrexham's first season in the third tier of English football since the 2004/05 campaign, releasing eight players from their contracts on Friday.

They include veteran centre-back Ben Tozer, club captain Luke Young and centre-back Aaron Hayden.

A new contract has been offered to wing-back James McClean, while the likes of Elliot Lee and Paul Mullin signed new and improved contracts at the beginning of 2024.

The reason for the vast array of releases is because of a squad rule that will affect Wrexham while they play in League One.

The Red Dragons can only register a total of 22 players for the 2024/25 campaign, although that excludes goalkeepers and players aged under 21.

It was a rule also in place in League Two, but Wrexham fell underneath the restrictions as they only registered 21 outfield players last season.

Championship teams, meanwhile, can name a 25-man squad, although the final spot is designated for a youth player.

The Red Dragons can only register a total of 22 players for the 2024/25 campaign, although that excludes goalkeepers and players aged under 21.

From their current squad, Wrexham now have 19 outfield players that would need to be registered - leaving them only three spaces in which to bolster their options through incoming transfers.

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Explaining the decision-making process behind the releases, manager Phil Parkinson said: "We have got to work towards the 22-man squad and, inevitably, the only way we can bring players in is by letting people go.

"The aim has always been to improve what we have got in each transfer window, but also maintaining our key players. That's what we will be aiming to do this time.

"It is going to be an interesting summer, we have got ideas how we would like to see the squad shape up. We will take our time and hopefully get a squad which can be competitive.

"It was difficult because all the lads have made contributions over the last few years. I wish all the lads all the best and I am sure they will all get fixed up with good clubs, ready for the next challenge in their careers."