Harry Dean deal shows importance of Wrexham academy at a vital time
At a time when there is so much positivity surrounding Wrexham, it is hard to ignore the murmurs of discontent rumbling in the background.
This week, we shared news of concerns about the club's current academy set-up and the suggestion that a number of age groups could be folding, though Wrexham sources insist nothing has been decided yet.
Wrexham have always had a rich history of homegrown talent, and it is not long ago that it was the lifeblood of the club, producing a plethora of first-team players and raising vital funds that kept the club afloat with their subsequent sales.
It has always been frustrating for Wrexham fans that we have lost so many highly-rated youngsters to rival clubs and struggled to make the most of the North Wales catchment area. Things looked like they were changing with Max Cleworth's rapid rise to stardom, but now there are concerns about the next generation and how more untapped potential could be lost if the academy issues are not addressed.
Cleworth, Jordan Davies and Jake Bickerstaff are not the only ones either. Last month, Harry Dean signed his first professional contract, in another testament to the exciting young talent at the club.
“I’m over the moon," he said. "Having been at the club from age eight and coming all the way through the academy, it’s a great feeling. My aim now is to get into pre-season in good shape and kick on, look at knocking on the door of that first team and see what happens."
Harry Dean’s Academy achievements
Dean has featured with the U-18s over the previous two campaigns, helping the youth side achieve some fantastic achievements.
Dean’s rock-solid play at the back played a big part in the U-18s capturing the National League Youth Alliance Division H two seasons ago. This past season was another strong one for the youngster and his team, which finished runners-up in the EFL Youth Alliance North-West Division. He’s played in 50 games for the U-18s over the past two seasons.
In what competitions could we see Dean feature for the first team?
At his age and given the experience of Wrexham’s current backline, Dean will likely have to wait his turn before enjoying regular action with the first team.
However, the EFL season is demanding, and Phil Parkinson will sometimes have to rotate his squad. The League One campaign is the primary focus, meaning Dean could feature in matches when there are two games a week or encounters that are out of reach.
He will most likely feature in EFL Trophy matches, where Wrexham will face Salford, Port Vale and Wolves U21s in the group stage, as he hopes to be the latest breakthrough star at senior level.
“It’s good to have players stepping up from the Under-18s," Phil Parkinson said. "The team was close to winning their league last season and Harry was a key part of that. Now is the chance for him to step up a level and show us what he can do.”
What could Dean bring to the first team?
Dean logged plenty of minutes over the past two campaigns with the U-18 squad and showed he can contribute offensively. He’s found the back of the net seven times at centre-back over the previous two seasons.
Four members of their current first team squad listed as natural centre-backs, Cleworth, Will Boyle, O’Connell, and Aaron James, combined to score four goals between them a season ago. Lewis Brunt has since been added to the squad.
It might be a long shot for Dean to make it into the Wrexham side when there is such fierce competition, but the point is he has been given an opportunity to do so after years of hard work at youth level.
There are others who deserve that same chance in the years to come.
