DON GOODMAN admits he was wrong about Wrexham after Phil Parkinson’s side clinched automatic promotion.

Goodman, who played for the likes of West Brom, Sunderland and Wolves during his playing career, didn’t think Wrexham would challenge for more success this season after making the step-up from League Two.

But the Reds made an excellent start to the campaign and and finished runners-up in League Two, securing an historic third successive promotion.

Although he gave Wrexham a lot of credit for what they have achieved, Goodman does not expect the Reds to be challenging at the top of the Championship next term.

Goodman, speaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest football odds, said: “I was wrong about Wrexham, I’ll hold my hands up.

“Hats off to them, I thought a top-half finish would be a good target and the gap between League Two and League One would be too much.

“Everything about Wrexham reminds me of Derby County when it comes to style of play and how they’ve gone about promotion. They scored lots of set pieces and only averaged the 15th most amount of possession in League One last year.

“Nevertheless, Derby showed that 20 set-piece goals, an honest work ethic and a solid defence can keep you in the Championship, and I would suggest that a similar objective should be Wrexham’s port-of-call.

“They should look to get off to a good start and reach a points tally where, halfway through the season, you know you will survive, and you can try and kick on in January.

“But, for the life of me, I cannot see Wrexham finishing anywhere near the top of the Championship next season with the greatest of respect.”

Wrexham, back in the second tier for the first time in 43 years, have been linked with a number of players including Jamie Vardy who has left Leicester City following their relegation from the Premier League.

Goodman believes Vardy and Wrexham would be a match made in heaven

“Wrexham and Phil Parkinson have a track record of signing big-name strikers who have previously performed and scored goals in the Premier League,” he added.

“None in the calibre of Jamie Vardy, but those players have bought into the project and have been attracted by the glitz and glamour.

“Jamie Vardy and Wrexham could be a match made in heaven. It would be a Hollywood signing. He scored eight goals and registered three assists in a truly awful Premier League team, which is not something to be sniffed at. He still knows where the back of the net is.

“The only question is whether Wrexham can attract and entice Jamie Vardy. Will he, with respect to Wrexham, get better offers? We will see.”