Wrexham were aiming for big things at the start of the season as a manager with a proven track record in Gary Mills was lured form Gateshead to spearhead a challenge for a return to the Football League after a couple of desperately lacklustre seasons. Mills made some quite interesting signings over the summer as the squad, especially the midfield and attack, were given a revamped look. Despite losing 3:1 at newcomers Bromley at the start, the Welsh side shrugged that off quickly and played some of the best football in the league in the first couple of months. Their possession-heavy 4-3-3 system was executed well and had a very attacking look about it as Dominic Vose, Connor Jennings and Adriano Moke were all given licence to roam. It contributed to an excellent few performances that really got the fans’ juices flowing and their dreams running wild. Five wins on the spin followed after the opening-day loss, and included some absolute battering. But concerns over defensive stability and balance in the side were raised in September and October as Eastleigh and Chester scored three goals each against them in a couple of losses back to back. They shrugged off a few disappointments in a row and managed four victories in a row to move back into the play-off spots. Vose and Jennings were still excelling but the team seemed unable to get on a consistent run of form and were struggling to score enough goals from the many chances that they were creating. The lack of efficiency remained an issues as the season reached the festive period and indeed the Dragons welcomed 2016 on a dire run of four defeats in a row, including a couple against lowly neighbours Southport. Mills needed to change something to get the team getting better results and realising more of their potential. And indeed the signing of Simon Helsop from Torquay proved an inspired addition as he delivered the sort of tigerish presence and winning mentality lacking in the side. On the other hand, Kayden Jackson emerged as a leading striker in the spring after being a back-up until then. He played some inspired football during that period and also gave the whole team a whole new outlook. Wrexham produced a really good run of form from February onwards as they managed nine games without losing, keeping clean sheets in six games in a row during that run. Mills had finally managed to solve the defensive riddle but the battle for the play-offs was fierce and the resurgence of the team may have a bit late. Moreover, they suffered a few real setbacks from Easter onwards when they had the chance to close in on the play-off spots. They were first upstaged by direct rivals Dover at home and were then stunned by lowly Guiseley for a shock loss. These two results meant an end to their top-five challenge and ultimately a failed season for the Welsh side. But Mills has shown enough in his work to suggest that he can build a better side next season and the fans should be optimistic for the future.
