PHIL PARKINSON reaffirmed his commitment to tying players down on longer contracts so they continue the journey with Wrexham and are not lured away by other clubs.

Ryan Barnett has signed a new contract, committing his future at The Racecourse until 2027 with the option of an additional year.

The in-form wing-back, who joined Wrexham from Solihull Moors in February 2023, has featured in 16 of the 17 League One matches this season and claimed his seventh assist when he set up Ollie Palmer in Saturday’s 3-0 home win against Exeter City which kept the Reds among the leading pack.

Back-to-back promotion winner Barnett was nominated for the League One Player of the Month award for October after having a hand in five goals and he opened his scoring account for the campaign in the 1-0 win against Mansfield Town earlier this month.

Parkinson admits it was important to extend the stay of the 25-year-old who won the club’s Goal of the Season award in 2023-24 for his superb volley in the 6-0 win against Forest Green Rovers on the day Wrexham secured their place in League One.

“I think what’s important for our supporters as much as the staff and everybody is that we work hard to identify the players we want,” said the Reds’ boss.

“We bring them in and it’s important to keep them because inevitably, with the way Ryan’s played this season and last season - particularly this season because it’s a step up - that there’s going to be clubs looking at him.

“He’s got more crosses in than than any other player in the division and it was very important for us to get his signature.

“He deserves a new contract but more importantly for us, we want to keep our best young players to continue on this journey with Wrexham Football Club.”

On signing the new deal, Barnett told the official club website: “I’m buzzing to get it sorted. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be at the moment.

“The atmosphere around the club is brilliant and I’m glad it’s something I get to be a part of for even longer.”