Goalkeepers work in the shadows while the spotlight shines on attackers. When your no.1 keeper is injured, on comes the reserve, who you can rely on, but even when the backup gets sidelined, you’re in a world of trouble. That’s the situation for Phil Parkinson’s Wrexham, who hopes the EFL (English Football League) goes lenient with him before the transfer window opens. 

To provide some context, during Wrexham’s 1-0 win over Barnsley Town, the reserve goalkeeper, Callum Burton, who was filling in for Arthur Okonkwo, got injured in the 23rd minute. While third-choice goalkeeper, Mark Howard delivered a solid performance, the Welsh club boss wants someone reliable ahead of the transfer window opening in January. 

Easier said than done, for as per the EFL, League One clubs can sign a maximum of 22 players, 8 of which must be local talent (homegrown). While Wrexham has signed former West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Brad Foster on a short-term deal, there’s still doubt whether he’ll be able to start. 

“We’d still like to bring in another keeper – the EFL rules are not very favourable and very complicated,” Parkinson told BBC Sport. “I don’t agree with them because when you look at it Arthur’s broken his wrist, we’ve got Callum with a torn thigh and Luke McNicholas is injured as well,” added the boss, highlighting the situation is dire enough for the EFL to make an exception this time. 

On the other hand, Mark Howard might get his first league start in almost 12 months. The 38-year-old has played for the likes of Blackpool, Sheffield United, and Bolton Wanderers. With Wrexham next set to play Crewe Alexandra in the second round of the Football League Trophy, owner Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney hope this dream doesn’t turn into a nightmare. 

Promotion peril for Wrexham?

When Phil Parkinson was hired in 2021, he led Wrexham from a National League side to currently sitting second in the League One table, all within four years. Now, with Hollywood owners wanting to take the North Welsh club to the very top of the English soccer pyramid, their goalkeeper crisis may become a major hindrance in their dreams. 

The Deadpool star also hoped their side might realize their European dreams if they were allowed to take part in the Welsh League Cup, as a way to represent the nation in a European Club competition. However, their Conference League dreams are now halted since the FA decided to step in. 

Perhaps, this could be the end of the honeymoon phase for Wrexham, but they are sitting 2nd, level on points with Wycombe Wanderers only for them to have a better goal difference. While Parkinson has confirmed that both first-choice goalkeepers are out for some time, it will be Howard and Foster’s chance to shine.

And Wrexham fans remember what happened the last time a goalkeeper had Foster written on their back!