Phil Parkinson has sounded a note of caution over Wrexham's prospects of adding to their squad before the transfer window closes, admitting there is no guarantee the club will secure the "difference-makers" he is seeking.

The Wrexham manager spoke after Saturday's 1-1 draw at home to Watford, which left his side without a win from their opening two Championship fixtures. Co-chairmen Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney flew in to watch the game and held pre-match discussions with Parkinson over transfer strategy, alongside chief executive Mike Williamson and director Sean Harvey.

Competition from clubs across Europe

"We're working towards several options," Parkinson said. "I had a great chat with Rob and Ryan before the game, and Mike and Sean. We know what we're trying to achieve, but we are competing for players who the top teams are looking to get."

Parkinson was candid about the scale of the challenge facing a club that has risen from non-league football in just a few seasons, noting that Wrexham's targets are attracting interest from elsewhere in the second tier and from clubs on the continent. "There's no guarantees any signings will come in because the players we're competing for are wanted by other clubs in this division and other divisions around Europe," he said. "They're the kind of difference-making type of players we want, but when you're in the battle for players you have the challenge of other clubs trying to take them, or teams don't want to sell them."

Injuries adding to the challenge

The uncertainty in the transfer market is compounded by an injury list that has already deprived Parkinson of key personnel. Josh Windass has missed both opening games but is understood to be in line to return for Friday's home fixture against Birmingham City, which falls on the final day of the transfer window. Libby Cacace and Ben Sheaf also remain sidelined; Sheaf in particular was a central figure in Wrexham's play-off push last season and his absence has been felt in the early rounds of the campaign.

"If we get them (new signings) then great, if not we've got players coming back off the treatment table," Parkinson added, offering a measured perspective on the situation.

Summer business so far

Wrexham have made three additions this summer. One of them, wing-back Danny Imray, arrived from Crystal Palace and made an immediate impression against Watford, scoring the equaliser before hitting the post late on as the hosts pushed for a winner. Despite the frustration of dropping points, Parkinson expressed satisfaction with the quality of the recruits brought in so far.

"You don't make a signing in for the sake of it, or spend big on a player if it's not the fit we want," he said. "I think the three lads we brought in, everyone can see what good players they are. We'd like to add more quality if we can, but like I said, we have got players also to come back into the group."

A window ticking down

With Friday's Birmingham City match representing the final game before the window shuts, time is short. The club's ownership is clearly engaged, with Reynolds and McElhenney making the trip to the Racecourse Ground to take stock in person, but Parkinson is tempering expectations publicly while work continues behind the scenes.

Back-to-back draws represent a reasonable opening to Championship life for Wrexham, and Parkinson was keen to stress that the performances have given him encouragement even if the results have been frustrating. The squad depth question, however, will need answering before the window slams shut, whether through the transfer market or the treatment room returning his injured players to fitness.

Frequently asked

Has Wrexham signed anyone this summer?
Yes, Wrexham have made three signings so far this summer. One of them, wing-back Danny Imray from Crystal Palace, scored the equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Watford on the opening home game of the Championship season.
When is Wrexham's next game before the transfer window closes?
Wrexham host Birmingham City on Friday, which falls on the final day of the transfer window, making it a significant fixture on and off the pitch.
Is Josh Windass fit for Wrexham?
Josh Windass missed Wrexham's first two Championship games but is reported to be in line to return for the Birmingham City fixture on Friday.