PHIL PARKINSON believes Steven Fletcher has got a big part to play next season on and off the pitch when Wrexham make the step-up to League One.

Former Scotland international Fletcher will remain at The Racecourse for the 2024-25 campaign after putting pen to paper on a new contract. 

Brought in as a free agent in September, the experienced striker scored eight goals in 34 games as Wrexham finished runners-up in League Two last term to make it back-to-back promotions for the first time in the club's history.

Parkinson hailed the contribution made by Fletcher, who has played for Hibernian, Burnley, Wolves, Sunderland, Marseille, Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke and Dundee United, and is delighted he will remain at the club. 

"I am pleased we have agreed a deal with Fletch," said Parkinson.

"He made a really good contribution for us last season, on and off the pitch.

"Not only his goals but his influence on the training ground. It is great to have a player of his experience and calibre, and I am looking forward to working with him again.

"He has got real quality. He missed the whole of pre-season last year and we had to gradually get him up to speed when he came to us but he showed what a really good professional he is all the way through the season, and he is a big help with the younger players as well.

"He is a good player to have for our League One campaign."

Fletcher scored some key goals last season including a hat-trick in Wrexham's 4-1 victory at home to Barrow on New Year's Day and the only strike in the 1-0 win over rivals Notts County in February.

"Fletch has got the ability to take chances," added Parkinson. "He produced some key moments for us last season."

On signing his new contract, Fletcher told the official club website: “I’m delighted to have signed another year, and I’m really looking forward to the season ahead.”