Wrexham’s decision to sign Sam Smith in the January transfer window was a huge factor behind their historic promotion.

Phil Parkinson’s side became a little stale during the middle of the season and lacked a cutting edge up top until Smith walked through the door from fellow League One rivals Reading.

The 27-year-old striker hit the ground running by scoring his first goal for the Red Dragons in a 2-0 victory over Northampton Town.

Smith was compared to Robin Van Persie after he hit a stunning volley in the crucial victory away at promotion rivals Wycombe and of course, he scored a brace in the famous win over Charlton that secured promotion.

An excellent start to his Wrexham career but fans will now be hoping he can improve on his time in the Championship with the club seeking ‘proven quality’ in the striker department.

Sam Smith’s Championship record

Shaun Harvey explained Wrexham’s bizarre pursuit of Smith in that the club tried to sign him on a free transfer from Cambridge before he eventually moved to Reading.

Now the Red Dragons have their man and they will be hoping he can improve upon his Championship record from back in the 2017-18 season.

Smith is desperate to prove himself in the second tier after a wait of eight years from his time in the division with Reading.

However, Wrexham will need to create opportunities for their striker and cannot afford to leave him as isolated as he was at times during the previous campaign.

Sam Smith’s record underlines Wrexham’s pursuit of another striker

Whilst Smith was at the beginning of his career, it proves that he is inexperienced and unproven at Championship level – underlining Wrexham’s pursuit of another striker.

Wrexham are interested in Callum Robinson given that he is a forward with ‘proven Championship quality’ and will look to provide Smith with some competition in the area.

Smith has earned the right to be Parkinson’s main man at the start of next season but the club would be wise to also provide him some creative players as chances will be less frequent.

Steven Fletcher’s Wrexham departure could open the door for one or two additions in attack, especially with Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer linked with moves away from the Racecourse Ground.