Paul Mullin was Wrexham’s hero as they secured back-to-back promotions from the National League to League One. Going into this season, it seemed he’d be a crucial player as the Hollywood-owned club pushed for another promotion.
So, with it being confirmed that the former star-man of North Wales is fully fit, it is very clear that Phil Parkinson prefers the likes of Sam Smith, Steven Fletcher and Jack Marriott.
Let’s take a look at where I think he could end up next…
Barnet FC
Barnet look destined to make a return to the EFL next season; they’re six points clear of York City at the top of the Vanarama national league and they have met all expectations by doing so.
They currently have no frailties in attack and have strength in depth up top; however, they were not afraid to splash the cash last summer and could look to do the same next year and make a push for a top-end finish in League Two.
Paul Mullin is a serial winner; he’s won four promotions, with three of those from League Two. That could attract a club like Barnet as they will want some experience and character that know the level and have had success at the level.
The hive could be the new home of the Liverpudlian.
MK Dons
Probably noticing a bit of a pattern already… It is no secret that Mullin’s been on a big wage at Wrexham for the last four years. So, to predict where he might end up, his next club cannot be scared of spending.
MK are just that; they are no strangers to a summer spending spree and have massively underachieved in League Two this season.
Part of that problem is that their top scorer is central midfielder Alex Gilbey (11), with the highest scoring striker being Scott Hogan with seven.
So, they could benefit from a talisman such as Mullin to fire them into a League One return…
Gillingham FC
Another team at the foot of League Two, with a big bank, and perhaps a more exciting future with the appointment of Gareth Ainsworth last month.
Next season, you would imagine they will really ‘have a go’ and let Ainsworth put his stamp on The Gills.
In that case, given the budget to afford his wages, I don’t think any manager in League Two next season would turn down the opportunity to sign someone of Mullin’s calibre.
The Gills’ highest scoring recognised striker is Elliot Nevitt, with just four goals all season – they are crying out for a prolific striker.
Could Mullin be the missing link?
Cambridge United
Cambridge United look doomed; it certainly seems as if they have outstayed their welcome in League One, and with Mark Bonner returning as Head of Recruitment, he may look to sign the man that fired his 2020/21 side into the third tier.
Paul Mullin scored 34 goals in all competitions in that campaign for the U’s, figures which even got a stand at The Abbey Stadium named after him, before he controversially ditched them to drop into non-league for current side Wrexham.
The question is whether they could meet his wage demands, There will definitely be bigger fish in League Two next season budget-wise, but is there some unfinished business that could see a return to Cambridgeshire for the out-of-favour forward?
