Paul Mullin Opens Up on Wrexham Exit: “It Ended in a Strange Way”
Wrexham striker Paul Mullin has shared his honest reflections following his loan move to Wigan Athletic, describing his departure from the club as “disappointing” and admitting that the media spotlight surrounding his time in North Wales was difficult to handle at times.
The 30-year-old, who joined Wrexham in 2021 from Cambridge United, became a club icon by scoring 110 goals in 172 appearances and playing a key role in their remarkable rise through the leagues. His performances, coupled with the attention brought by the Welcome to Wrexham documentary and his cameo in the Deadpool & Wolverine movie, turned him into a household name.
However, Mullin found himself out of favour in the second half of last season following back surgery and a loss of form. Despite being fit, he was sidelined by manager Phil Parkinson, who brought in Sam Smith and Jay Rodriguez in January. Mullin didn’t make a single league appearance after the turn of the year and watched from the sidelines as Wrexham clinched promotion to the Championship.
In an interview with Wigan Athletic’s media team, Mullin expressed his sadness over the way his Wrexham chapter closed:
“It was sad to leave there with how it ended. That’s football – you leave clubs – but the way it’s gone has been quite disappointing. But one door closes and another opens. I’m buzzing to be here at Wigan and play every week.”
Reflecting on the attention that came with Wrexham’s rise and celebrity ownership, he added:
“It’s been quite hard and strange. In the National League, because of who the owners are and the documentary, I was probably getting more attention than Premier League players who are better than me. That was strange to accept, but I just tried to be myself and roll with it. It’s still a privilege to be recognised and spoken to by fans.”
Despite the manner of his departure, Mullin’s legacy at Wrexham is unquestioned. Ryan Reynolds, club co-owner, took to social media to express his gratitude:
“I can’t imagine seeing Mulls in another kit. We wouldn’t be where we are without his heart, skill and work ethic. We love you, Super Paul Mullin.”
Mullin also spoke candidly on Welcome to Wrexham about feeling resentment after being dropped from the team.
“I resented it for weeks. I felt it was unjust. I trained hard, did everything I could, and felt I wasn’t given the chance to get back to where I had been. I don’t know what caused the manager to trust me less, but he clearly does.”
Whether his loan move marks the end of his Wrexham journey remains to be seen. But as he starts a new chapter with Wigan in League One, Mullin does so with the support of fans who still consider him one of the club’s modern legends.
