Wrexham's poster boy Paul Mullin has stunned fans by joining League One side Wigan Athletic on a season-long loan. The striker, who became the face of the club's Hollywood-backed rise through the English football pyramid, confirmed the move on Monday.
"I'm excited for the next part of my story," Mullin told Wigan's official website. "I've scored a lot of goals over the last few years, but more than anything, I give my absolute all for the club that I'm playing for."
The 30-year-old forward has been instrumental in Wrexham's historic climb up the divisions. He helped the Red Dragons become the first team ever in English football's top five divisions to secure three consecutive promotions. That's quite the achievement!
From Hollywood Favorite to Bench Player
Mullin's journey at Wrexham has been nothing short of remarkable. He formed such a close bond with club co-owner Ryan Reynolds that he even made a cameo appearance in the latest "Deadpool" movie. A giant mural of the striker still stands proudly in the center of Wrexham.
Despite being named Wrexham's player of the season three years running, Mullin surprisingly found himself relegated to a bit-part role last season. This came as a shock to many fans who had watched him lead the team's charge through the divisions.
The striker has been a central figure in the popular "Welcome to Wrexham" documentary series. Co-owner Rob McElhenney once even described him as "one of the greatest football players in the world" – high praise indeed!
What This Means for Both Clubs
For Wigan, this represents a major coup. The Latics have secured a proven goalscorer who could fire them up the League One table. Betting markets may soon reflect Wigan's improved promotion chances with such a clinical finisher in their ranks.
For Wrexham, losing their talisman raises questions about their attacking options in the tough League One campaign ahead. The Red Dragons will need others to step up in Mullin's absence if they want to challenge for an unprecedented fourth straight promotion.
The loan deal still requires approval from the English Football League and the Football Association, plus international clearance. But all signs point to Mullin donning Wigan's colors this season.
This unexpected move could shake up the League One promotion race. Wigan now boasts one of the division's most lethal finishers, while Wrexham must adapt to life without the man who became synonymous with their fairy-tale rise.
For fantasy football managers and betting enthusiasts, Mullin is definitely one to watch at his new club. His goalscoring record speaks for itself, and if he recaptures his best form, he could be the difference-maker in many League One matches this season.
