The Wrexham player who could surprise us this season
The new League One season could not have started much better for Wrexham.
Not only did we begin the campaign with three points, but we may also have gotten our answer as to where those crucial goals will come through this season.
In just one match, Jack Marriott equalled his entire goal output from League Two last season, with a scintillating volley that was easily his biggest highlight since joining the club, and an early contender for goal-of-the-season.
With Wrexham still looking for a striker who can help ease the reliance on Paul Mullin in attack, Marriott's wonder goal may be just the tip of the iceberg of what we can expect from him this season.
Marriott’s Numbers at Wrexham
Jack Marriott joined Wrexham in February 2024, signing a deal until June 2025.
It’s safe to say the club didn’t get the best version of him last season, with Marriott scoring just once in 17 League Two appearances as he largely played a backup role during our successful promotion push.
As discouraging as that was, though, his League One numbers suggest we’ll see a different Jack Marriott in 2024-25. It is also worth noting he has now relocated closer to the club, and looks to have finally settled in his new surroundings.
Marriott’s League One Record
Perhaps Marriott just needed time to show his capabilities at Wrexham, or he was waiting for some healthy competition to display his true quality.
League One is a top-class league, and the 29-year-old has a solid track record for individual success at this level. Marriott has 46 goals in 115 appearances in League One. That works out to a goal scoring average in League One of 40% in just over 7,800 minutes of game action.
In his previous stint at this level, he netted five times in 24 appearances for Fleetwood Town. His finest League One campaign occurred during his first stint at Peterborough United in 2017-18, finishing with 27 goals to lead all scorers.
Seizing the opportunity
With Paul Mullin still injured, this is as good an opportunity as Marriott will have to get in the good graces of Phil Parkinson. It wasn’t just his stunning goal versus Wycombe, though, as the former Ipswich youth player also put together a fine pre-season and was probably the best player in the friendly versus Chelsea.
Many people were unsure about this side’s attacking depth outside of Mullin, but Marriott’s performances this season (pre-season included) may save Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney a lot of money in the long run.
Other ways Marriott can contribute?
As a striker, you’re judged on how many times you find the back of the net, but Marriott may bring much more than just goals.
His power, pace and intelligence could be a handful for League One defenders. He has a low centre of gravity, is challenging to outmuscle, and strong in the air. Given his strength, his presence could draw several defenders to him and leave space for other Wrexham attackers.
There are plenty of matches to go, but there’s plenty of reason for optimism that Wrexham will get their money’s worth for Marriott this season.
