PHIL PARKINSON will have to make the numbers add up when he compiles his squad for Wrexham's return to League One.

The Reds clinched a second promotion in a row after securing a top-three finish in League Two and Parkinson is now preparing for life at a higher level.

Clubs in League One are limited to a 22-man squad, although that number does not include goalkeepers or players who were under the age of 21 at the start of the calendar year.

When the club submitted it's updated squad list after the January transfer window closed, the following outfield players aged over 21 were included: Ryan Barnett, Luke Bolton, Will Boyle, Andy Cannon, Sam Dalby, Jordan Davies, George Evans, Steven Fletcher, Aaron Hayden, James Jones, Elliot Lee, Jack Marriott, James McClean, Callum McFadzean, Jacob Mendy, Paul Mullin, Eoghan O’Connell, Tom O’Connor, Ollie Palmer, Ben Tozer, Jordan Tunnicliffe and Luke Young.

Although a number of players are out of contract this summer and anyone released would free up space in the squad - Parkinson plans to let them know about their future as soon as possible once the season has ended - the Reds' boss has more bodies to consider.

Anthony Forde was not included in the updated squad list because of a back injury, Billy Waters and Jordan Tunnicliffe will return from loan spells with Doncaster and Accrington respectively, and Max Cleworth is now 21 and classed as a senior player.

Parkinson will inevitably target new signings for Wrexham's first campaign in League One since 2004-05 so the Reds' boss has got a lot to weigh-up when it comes to ins and outs at The Racecourse this summer.

"Shaun Harvey is putting budget proposals together as we speak," said Parkinson.

"It is a numbers game as well because we can only have 22 outfield players.

"It is obviously restrictive because we have got a lot of players under contract so you can't hide away from that.

"We ended up with three players (Callum McFadzean, Billy Waters and Bryce Hosannah, who has now left the club) out of the squad at the start of the season which wasn't ideal for them.

"I have spoken about my thoughts on that rule but that's what it is and we have got to build the squad around the numbers."

Goalkeeper Mark Howard, captain Luke Young, centre-backs Aaron Hayden and Ben Tozer, and striker Steven Fletcher are among the players out of contract this summer.

"We are having discussions as staff and we will address it all once the season finishes," said Parkinson, whose side host champions Stockport County in the final game on Saturday.

"It is part of football that a squad will evolve as the summer goes on."

Parkinson, who saw Wrexham clinch automatic promotion with two games to spare, says the planning for recruitment has already started.

"Getting promoted early gives us a chance to take stock of the situation," he added.

"The summer is about making the right decisions and analysing areas we need to improve, and target those players which we feel could take us into the next division."