New boy Palmer on target on his debut

THE return of fans to the Racecourse saw new signing Ollie Palmer score on his debut to deliver all three points to Wrexham in a 1-0 victory against Grimsby Town.

A scramble in the Grimsby penalty area in the 35th minute, resulted in record signing Palmer slotting the ball home.

Chances were made throughout the game and heroics from Wrexham keeper Rob Lainton were paramount in keeping the likes of John McAtee out and securing all three points.

The 30-year-old Palmer joined from League One side AFC Wimbledon on Monday. The actual sum paid remains undisclosed, however it is believed to be in the region of £300,000.

Palmer has signed a threeand-a-half year deal at the Racecourse Ground which will keep the Surrey-born man at the club until June 2025.

Ahead of the game, Palmer said: “I’m excited. It’s a brand new opportunity for me and something I really wanted to be involved with so I’m looking forward to it.

“I had a good conversation with the gaffer here, and he really sold it to me. The passion around the town for the football club; it’s obviously one of the oldest football clubs around and it’s just about getting them back to where they want to be.

“We have some really famous co-chairmen, and they have already done some amazing things with the football club. It’s just a really good opportunity for me - something to get my teeth into, something new.

“Phil Parkinson explained everything to me, and it was something that got me really excited.”

Dragons boss Parkinson said of the signing: “I’m absolutely delighted. Ollie was a player we wanted right from the offset.

“These things take time, and they can be difficult, but credit to Rob and Ryan for sanctioning the deal and to everyone else involved in getting the deal over the line, because when you’re attracting a player from a higher league, the deals are never easy. I’m absolutely delighted we’ve finalised the signing.

“He gives us presence, but he’s also got quality and that was important for us - we want good footballers.

“He’s got good technical ability, he’s a good character and he’ll be an excellent addition to the squad.”