TOM O’CONNOR and George Evans’ versatility will be key in Wrexham’s League One campaign this season.

Both players signed new deals in the summer and Reds boss Parkinson was delighted to tie them down.

Brought in from League One outfit Burton Albion in January 2022, utility player O’Connor - who can play at centre-back or in midfield - has made 80 appearances in all competitions for the Reds.

O’Connor has played his part in successive promotions and had been linked with a big money move to Coventry City last year.

“Tom is a really good player,” said Parkinson, whose side begin their League One season at home to Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday evening.

“He played in League One when he was younger for Gillingham and Burton, and we feel he has grown with us over the last few years.

“When we brought Tom in, we spoke about his versatility and he has established himself in that left-sided centre-back position but he has also played in midfield for us and he was also left-back in a back-four for Gillingham.

“That was one of the key reasons when we signed Tom, that he can play a lot of positions and he has shown he can play in a number of roles.

“I am delighted he is staying with us for the coming years.”

Like O’Connor, Evans’ versatility was crucial as Wrexham went straight up to League One last term.

A product of Manchester City’s youth academy, Evans joined the Reds from Championship outfit Millwall on transfer deadline day last September.

Evans, who has also turned out for Reading and Derby County in the second tier, is a midfielder who can also play in defence and he has penned a new deal keeping him at Wrexham until the end of the 2025-26 season, to Parkinson’s delight.

“When George came in, we said we would review it in the summer and we have stuck by our word and extended it,” added Parkinson.

“He has been a good signing for us and he contributed a lot last season.

“George is a good footballer and he can dictate the game for us with the ball.

“He is very confident in his ability and his quality shone through at times.

“We are pleased to have secured his services, and looking forward to working with him in the coming seasons.”