Wrexham’s Strategic Consideration: Sean Raggett for a Stronger League One Campaign
Wrexham, having clinched promotion with two games to spare upon their return to the Football League, is already planning for a return to League One. The Red Dragons achieved back-to-back promotions for the first time in the club’s history in spectacular fashion, scoring six past the Forest Green Rovers. This marks their return to the division they were relegated to nearly two decades ago.
While the players are currently enjoying a celebratory trip to Las Vegas, similar to their celebration following their National League triumph last year, Phil Parkinson is focused on enhancing his squad for the upcoming campaign. This will be Parkinson’s first time managing at this level since he led Bolton Wanderers to promotion during the 2016–17 season. He is hopeful of adding another League One accolade to his CV, having previously achieved this with Colchester United.
Parkinson understands what it takes to succeed at this level and may be interested in Sean Raggett, who was recently released by Portsmouth, the side that were crowned champions of the division last month.
Portsmouth, having secured their return to the championship, announced their retained list for the new season. The club confirmed that 10 players, including high-profile names like Joe Rafferty, Lee Evans, and Josh Martin, would be leaving Fratton Park in the summer.
One player who will likely attract a lot of attention is defender Sean Raggett. The 30-year-old joined Pompey on loan in 2019 and made his move permanent the following season after being released from Norwich City. During his four-year spell on the South Coast, Raggett made nearly 250 appearances for the club, 44 of which came this season under John Mousinho’s first full term at the helm. His commanding displays in the back-line earned him the club’s Player of the Year award during the 2021/22 season.
While Raggett would have been a valuable asset for Mousinho to take into the Championship next term, his release could be a gain for another club, with Wrexham being a possible destination for the 30-year-old during the summer.
Despite other clubs announcing their retained lists, Wrexham are one of the few who have yet to confirm who will remain in North Wales next season. A number of players will become free agents this summer, including goalkeepers Mark Howard and Rob Lainton, defenders Callum McFadzean, Ben Tozer, Aaron Hayden, and Jordan Tunnicliffe, utility man James McClean, captain and midfielder Luke Young, the longest-serving player in the squad, and striker Steven Fletcher.
Wrexham were among the best attacking and defensive units in League Two last term, and Parkinson will still want to make improvements. Raggett will be an option he may wish to explore. Having made 198 appearances at this level, he will provide an experienced head in the Reds’ defence, and his towering presence will make him a dependable option to try and secure a third promotion in as many seasons.
The Welsh side are already exploring the possibility of improving their defensive options, with Arthur Okonkwo, a name mentioned, having impressed on loan for Arsenal this season. And should Raggett and the Gunners keeper join, it provides a solid spine for the club to build on heading into their first campaign back in League One since the 2004/05 term.
The former Pompey defender is bound to be of interest to many in the division, but with Wrexham’s financial pull, they may be the frontrunners for his signature.