Lucky charm Thomason 'loving' Wrexham journey

Lucky charm Thomason 'loving' Wrexham journey

As other big names took the limelight upon joining Wrexham in the aftermath of the club's promotion to the Championship, George Thomason's transfer perhaps went under the radar.

The 24-year-old was the only one of the Welsh side's 13 summer additions who had never previously featured in either of the top two tiers of a European league structure.

A thigh injury hampered his early progress following his switch to the Stok Cae Ras from Bolton Wanderers, although, having had a greater role of late, the midfielder's fortunes are evidently changing.

"I'm someone that loves playing football and being involved. I want to get as many minutes as I can," Thomason told BBC Sport Wales.

"Obviously it's a really competitive squad but I feel much more settled. It's good to be a part of being involved in the team and especially when the team has been successful on the pitch."

Thomason captained Bolton in his final season at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, such was his importance under Steven Schumacher.

But when Wrexham came calling, the Blackpool youth product felt the time was right to make the step up from League One level.

"I'm loving being here. Don't get me wrong, I had an unbelievable time at Bolton and I spent a long time there, but I think I was ready for a fresh challenge and something new for myself," explained Thomason.

"Making a step up into a new division, it wasn't easy, and you've got to get yourself familiar with the surroundings quickly, but I'm absolutely loving it.

"It wasn't seamless. I got injured at first and I've seen different levels of opposition and stuff in the games that I have played, but I'm really enjoying it and I'm learning a lot."

Thomason stated former Bolton boss Parkinson was a "real big selling point" behind his decision to sign a three-year deal with Wrexham.

Parkinson himself described Thomason as a "great lad", adding: "He's got real leadership qualities. He's a player I've known for a while and I was excited about bringing him to the club."

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Thomason was one of three central midfielders to join the club during the summer - with Ben Sheaf and Lewis O'Brien also moving to north Wales.

As is the case throughout the whole squad, it has led to a fierce battle when it comes to earning a regular starting berth given that the likes of George Dobson, Matty James and Ollie Rathbone, along with injured duo Elliot Lee and Andy Cannon, are also competing for a midfield spot.

"I think you want to always surround yourself with good players because they help you get better at the end of the day," said Thomason.

"Everyone wants to play and it's not always possible but equally, you've got to make sure you keep your own standards high and drive yourself but drive the group.

"I think we've got a really strong midfield department that helps one another and really want to see each other do well."

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Thomason played from the outset as Wrexham battled to claim a hard-earned points against Ipswich Town.

The stalemate at Portman Road means Wrexham have not lost any of the seven Championship matches in which Thomason has featured for the club this season.

"It's not a bad stat to carry," he said prior to the contest with the Tractor Boys.

"If that could go on for the rest of the season, I'd be very happy."

As for the future, even after three successive promotions, Wrexham continue to look upwards.

And after top scorer Kieffer Moore claimed the play-offs are an achievable target for the club to aim for this season, Thomason further highlighted the confidence within Wrexham's ranks when asked about his side's prospects.

"I think the sky's the limit," he said.

"I think it took a little bit of time for us to gel, but you can you can see lads getting to really understand the roles on the pitch, but also know one another's strengths and weaknesses.

"We're getting stronger and stronger each week. We want to turn a few more of those draws into wins and see where it can take us."

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