I know the fans don’t like me anymore, I want to help achieve the next feet, but I have now decided and it’s final
Once hailed as the driving force behind Wrexham’s meteoric rise through the lower leagues, Paul Mullin is now facing an uncertain and potentially heartbreaking end to his time at the club. Despite scoring over 100 goals and playing a crucial role in helping Wrexham secure back-to-back promotions, the 30-year-old striker finds himself frozen out of the squad and potentially on the brink of a summer exit.
Mullin, a fan favorite and the face of Wrexham’s footballing revival, was expected to be one of the club’s key weapons in League One. However, a combination of lingering fitness issues, a noticeable dip in form, and fierce competition from new signings has seen the once-untouchable forward fall dramatically out of favor.
In a shocking twist for many supporters, Mullin hasn’t even featured in Wrexham’s matchday squad in any of their last 14 games. Since early February, he’s made the bench just once in league action—a far cry from the talismanic presence fans had come to rely on.
Manager Phil Parkinson has attempted to downplay the situation by insisting Mullin will return for pre-season preparations this summer. Yet, in the same breath, he’s admitted that player departures are inevitable—without naming names. It’s hard not to read between the lines: the writing appears to be on the wall for Mullin.
With his Wrexham future in serious jeopardy, it’s time to explore three clubs that could offer the striker a lifeline and a fresh start as he weighs up his next move.
1. Blackburn Rovers – A Bold Championship Gamble
While it might be seen as a long shot, there’s every chance a Championship club could take a chance on a proven goal scorer like Paul Mullin—especially one with his work ethic and hunger. If Mullin is keen to stay in the northwest and remain close to his roots, a move to Lancashire-based Blackburn Rovers could be an ideal fit.
Though Blackburn haven’t been the biggest spenders in the Championship, they have shown ambition in recent seasons. Signing Mullin would represent a relatively low-cost gamble on a player with immense potential to reignite his career at a higher level. His current wages at Wrexham are believed to be quite significant for League One standards, so any club looking to sign him would need to offer a comparable package—but Blackburn may just be able to stretch their budget for the right forward.
Mullin’s instinctive finishing and relentless pressing could suit Rovers’ style, particularly if they’re looking for a proven striker to lead their line or bolster their depth in attack. With the right support and a manager willing to believe in him, Mullin might just prove he’s got what it takes to compete in the Championship.
2. Bolton Wanderers – Staying in League One, But With Purpose
If a Championship move doesn’t materialize, Mullin may need to reset expectations and consider staying in League One. One club that ticks a lot of boxes for both the player and his circumstances is Bolton Wanderers.
Bolton are a club on the rise, regularly competing at the top end of League One and aiming for promotion. Mullin might need to accept a wage reduction to make the deal happen, but he’d be joining a side with genuine ambition and a strong chance of reaching the Championship in the near future.
Under the guidance of Steven Schumacher, Bolton play a direct, attacking brand of football that could suit Mullin’s strengths. His movement, ability to run in behind, and eye for goal could make him a perfect fit for their system. Not only would it offer him more regular minutes, but it would also allow him to stay relatively local, which could be an important factor in his decision-making.
Bolton could provide the perfect environment for Mullin to rebuild his form, confidence, and reputation while staying competitive.
3. Philadelphia Union – A Fresh Start in the MLS Spotlight
If Mullin is open to leaving England altogether, a move across the Atlantic to Major League Soccer could represent the most exciting—and lucrative—option available. Among the most natural fits would be Philadelphia Union, where the influence of Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney could play a huge role.
Given the personal connection between Mullin and Wrexham’s Hollywood owners, a move to McElhenney’s hometown club would make for a poetic transition. Not only would it keep Mullin tied to the Wrexham story, but it would also provide a chance for him to become a cult figure in the U.S., much like he did in Wales.
MLS clubs are known to reward players well financially, and Mullin would likely receive a significant wage increase, plus the opportunity to be a central figure in a competitive league that continues to grow in global stature.
A move to Philadelphia would also give Mullin a much-needed fresh start in a new environment—free from the pressures and politics of his current situation. For a player looking to revive his career and take on a new adventure, this could be a dream scenario.
A Painful Departure That Now Seems Inevitable
Wrexham fans were hopeful that Mullin might get one last run-out in the season finale against Lincoln City—a chance for him to say goodbye on his terms. But even in a dead rubber fixture, Phil Parkinson resisted calls to include the striker, signaling that the curtain may already have come down on Mullin’s time at the Racecourse Ground.
The emergence of players like Sam Smith, as well as the club’s reported interest in forwards such as Ryan Hardie and Callum Robinson, only adds to the sense that Mullin’s chapter at Wrexham is coming to a close.
While it may be tough for supporters to accept, keeping Mullin on the bench—or worse, out of the squad entirely—serves no one. At 30, he still has plenty to offer, and staying in limbo at Wrexham would only stall his career further.
The reality is clear: it’s time for Paul Mullin to move on. Whether it’s another League One push, a Championship test, or a bold move to America, he deserves a fresh start—and a club that will put him back where he belongs: on the pitch, scoring goals.
Would you like a graphic showing Mullin’s potential destinations and career stats?