The harsh reality of winning promotion is waving goodbye to the players who played a large part in the journey.
Wrexham are slowly filtering out the players who were there at the start of Rob McElhenney’s and Ryan Reynolds’ tenure at the club.
Promotion to League One has seen the Reds announce eight further departures from the Racecourse Ground, including Ben Tozer, Aaron Hayden and Luke Young.
It would have been an incredibly difficult call to make, especially when there’s sentimental value behind each player, with the decision to let go of captain Young arguably the most heart-wrenching for supporters.
The 31-year-old arrived from Torquay United in the summer of 2018 and has been a huge part of the furniture ever since, making over 250 appearances for the club across six years.
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Phil Parkinson says why he let Luke Young depart
Young made at least 37 appearances in each of his five National League campaigns, but as Wrexham made the leap into the football league, his playing time decreased.
The midfield metronome started just 12 times in League Two as Phil Parkinson preferred a midfield three of George Evans, Andy Cannon and Elliot Lee for most of the campaign.
And despite performing admirably in wins over Crewe Alexandra and Stockport County to close the book on his Reds career, Parkinson has explained why he’s ultimately letting him go.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the 56-year-old said: “I think there’s a great connection with Youngy and our supporters, because he was at the club in some tough times as well, and was always a player who gave us his all.
“I think the times right for Youngy, because he hasn’t played as much as he’d have liked his season.
“I always feel you can be a squad player for so long, and be a great lad and train well, but at some point you need to go and be the main man again in someone’s midfield and Youngy, he’s capable of doing that.”
Luke Young should be inundated with League Two offers
Young has shown during his time at Wrexham that he’s more than good enough to ply his trade at League Two level.
Unfortunately, opportunities were limited in Wales due to the quality ahead of him, but he shouldn’t be short of offers from fourth-tier sides looking for a midfield maestro and captain figure.
The former Plymouth Argyle man showed his class centrally by averaging 82% pass completion, creating three big chances and recovering 2.6 balls per game.
A model professional, who has made over a century of appearances in League Two, most sides in the division would be foolish to not snap up Wrexham’s captain.
He’s the type of player you want in the engine room, both tidy in possession and brilliant at winning the ball back.
The majority of Wrexham supporters will be hoping Young has a successful career away from Wales after playing a massive part in the club’s recent history.
