There were a fair few eyebrows raised when Wrexham spent big again during the summer transfer window. It has already began to pay off as we approach January sitting third in the League One table.

The Red Dragons are unbeaten in their last five league matches, winning four of them, while they are also deep in the EFL Trophy after an impressive win over Crewe.

That cup match, like so many others this season, displayed Wrexham's strength in depth and the fierce competition for places instilled by manager Phil Parkinson.

Injury time

Injury has taken a toll on Wrexham of late, with many key contributors currently on the mend. Top goal scorer Jack Marriott is ahead of schedule, but might not be back until February, George Evans has only just returned from torn ankle ligaments, while goalkeepers Arthur Okonkwo and Callum Burton are both still out as well.

Luke Bolton, Will Boyle and James Jones are all also sidelined, depleting Wrexham of some decent squad options, though none of them are regulars in the line up. Losing so many key starters is one thing, but Parkinson has also had to deal with many unavailable replacements. You wouldn't really be able to tell.

Summer signings paying off

In preparation for a return to League One, Wrexham added a series of new pieces to the squad despite the continuity that already existed. It’s a good thing they did because many of those new faces have stepped in and done a tremendous job to keep the Red Dragons winning.

10 new arrivals signed with Wrexham, excluding Okonkowo, who was already at the club last season, though his permanent deal was arguably the signing of the summer. Lewis Brunt, who came from Leicester has been a rock at the back for Wrexham, positionally sound over the past few games, playing a part in their defensive resilience.

Matty James has come into the heart of central midfield, showing leadership at that spot, with great ball distribution and tons of energy. Alongside him in the middle, George Dobson’s versatility defensively and going forward has been an enormous asset to a side that doesn’t fancy a lot of the ball.

Then there’s Ollie Rathbone, who’s established himself in the starting line up over the past few weeks and has worked his socks off when on the pitch, covering a ton of ground and winning his share of tackles and aerial duels. He was finally rewarded for his efforts when he netted a brilliant winner from long range against Barnsley in stoppage time.

An odd-quirk though, is he’s the only new face to find the back of the net for the Red Dragons in League One this season. That said, without him and the other newcomers, it’s hard to believe Wrexham would still be third in the table with a shot at another automatic promotion.